Abuja, Nigeria – Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has escalated his feud with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, daring him to include “political prostitute” in the list of alleged defamatory remarks to be challenged in court.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television on Friday, Adeyanju maintained that Obi must be prepared to face public scrutiny if he continues to aspire to Nigeria’s highest office.

“Obi should do his worst,” Adeyanju declared, stressing that the criticisms directed at Obi are no different from those often levelled at President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and the judiciary. He accused Obi’s supporters of hypocrisy, claiming they defend him fiercely while freely attacking other leaders.

Adeyanju’s latest outburst comes amid a legal dispute triggered by remarks allegedly made by Obi’s aide, Serah Ibrahim, who he claims insulted his wife following his criticism of Obi.

Earlier, Obi, through his lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), served a formal letter of demand on Adeyanju, accusing him of sustained defamatory publications across social media. The letter listed allegations that Obi diverted public funds into family businesses, sought to bribe individuals after private meetings, and weaponised religion during the 2023 elections. Adeyanju had also allegedly branded Obi as “the leader of a mob” and “a scum.”

The legal notice demanded Adeyanju retract the statements, issue a public apology on all social platforms, and publish formal apologies in three national newspapers. It warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in legal action seeking aggravated damages, an injunction, and recovery of legal costs.

Obi’s legal team stressed: “The statements have been widely disseminated, causing untold damage to our client’s reputation and integrity.”