A House of Representatives aspirant for Nnewi North and Nnewi South Federal Constituency under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Obunike Ohaegbu, has dismissed allegations suggesting that the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, was connected to an alleged demand for ₦10 million from political aspirants during the party’s internal processes.
Ohaegbu addressed the controversy during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, where he responded to growing public debate over claims of financial inducement within the party’s nomination process.
The clarification comes in the wake of accusations made by a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, who alleged that the NDC presidential candidate was involved in what he described as a “criminal enterprise.” Okonkwo further argued that any association with the party’s flag bearer amounted to endorsing such practices.
During the broadcast, the presenter referenced Okonkwo’s remarks, noting that the ADC stalwart had cited earlier comments attributed to Ohaegbu as part of the basis for his allegations. The claims had sparked widespread discussion about the integrity of the NDC’s internal selection process.
In response, Ohaegbu firmly rejected any suggestion that Peter Obi was involved in financial demands or ticket-related transactions. He insisted that his previous statements had been misinterpreted and taken out of context.
According to him, at no point did he accuse the presidential candidate of requesting money from aspirants. He maintained that the interpretation being circulated was incorrect and did not reflect what he had originally communicated.
Ohaegbu clarified that the individual he referred to in earlier discussions was the party’s National Secretary, whom he alleged had communicated the requirement for a ₦10 million payment. He stressed that this should not be linked in any way to Peter Obi.
He further explained that his remarks were being wrongly attributed and that attempts to associate the presidential candidate with the alleged financial request were unfounded.
The aspirant also addressed claims suggesting that he participated in any formal consultation or caucus meeting where financial conditions for securing tickets were discussed. He categorically denied ever being part of such deliberations.
According to him, he had no involvement in any meeting where consensus arrangements or financial commitments were agreed upon among party leaders or aspirants.
Ohaegbu emphasized that his engagement with the party’s internal processes did not include any discussion in which he was instructed by a caucus or leadership body to make payments in exchange for political tickets.
He maintained that his position had been consistent and that he had never received any directive from the National Caucus or any other structure within the party regarding monetary obligations tied to candidacy.
The aspirant reiterated that the only communication he was aware of regarding financial payment originated from the party’s National Secretary, not from the presidential candidate or any broader leadership body.
