NewsNigeriaPoliticsKenneth Okonkwo Dumps Labour Party, Ends Support for Peter Obi

In a shocking move, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party, LP, has announced his departure from the party and ended his support for presidential aspirant Peter Obi.

Okonkwo, a prominent figure in the party, cited disagreements over leadership and the party’s internal crisis as reasons for his departure. He expressed disappointment with Obi’s handling of the party’s conflicts and his failure to address the leadership crisis.

In a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” Okonkwo emphasized his commitment to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness. He stated that the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.

“What is happening in the Labour Party today has inspired in me a determination to chart a new course for my political journey. After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes on the Labour Party,” Okonkwo’s statement partly read.

“I believed that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He just needed to give the right directives and everyone will fall in line.

“I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria’s problems. I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading to nowhere politically? However, I continued in his defence believing he would still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems, to no avail.”

He continued, “Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself. I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.

“However, the consequence is that I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate. I don’t intend to embark on such a campaign as we did in 2023, projecting a person who cannot sustain the victory even if he wins.

“It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi. I am always 100% loyal to a leader whenever I am.”

The Labour Party officially responded to Okonkwo’s resignation, stating that his departure was not a surprise. The party described Okonkwo’s criticism of Obi as unfortunate.

“If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us,” Obiorah Ifoh, LP’s national publicity secretary, stated.

“Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise.”

Reacting to Okonkwo’s departure, Peter Obi stated that disagreements are natural and encouraged respect and civility. Obi emphasised that having differing views does not make someone an enemy and called for constructive dialogue.

“I want to therefore categorically and emphatically declare that Barrister Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks,” Obi stated.

“Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished. Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree.”

Okonkwo declared that he is free to negotiate and consult with like-minded individuals to determine the next step in his political journey.

He emphasized that this will not involve joining the All Progressives Congress, APC, or Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for now but may include consolidating the LP.