I Would Have Taken All The Money If I Wanted To – Obi Fires Back At Kenneth Okonkwo Over Bribery Allegations

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has responded to recent criticism from his former ally, Kenneth Okonkwo.

Recall that Okonkwo had alleged that Peter Obi and some South-East political leaders demanded or received money, about ₦10 million, from political aspirants in exchange for party tickets.

He also made claims during a television interview suggesting financial irregularities and bribery connected to ticket distribution in Obi’s political camp.

In response, Obi’s legal team dismissed the claims as false and defamatory and demanded ₦5 billion in damages plus a public apology, threatening a lawsuit if Okonkwo does not retract them.

Speaking during an interview on NoireTV, Obi dismissed allegations that he engages in unlawful or unethical political behaviour, insisting that his actions have always followed rules and proper guidelines.

“I can never act rascally. I have never been known as someone who operates rascally; I always operate within the rules and guidelines,” he said.

He added that people are free to say whatever they want about him, but maintained that he will not be part of the kind of practices he has long spoken against.

“It is easy for anyone to say anything against me, but the fact remains that I will never be part of what I am trying to change,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor also said that if he had intended to engage in wrongdoing, he would have done so while in office, instead of leaving public service with a clean record.

“If I wanted that, I would have done it when I left office as governor and taken all the money like any other person,” he added.