Kenneth Okonkwo Parts Ways with Peter Obi, Exits Labour Party Amidst Internal Conflicts

In a surprising turn of events, Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent Nigerian actor and former spokesperson for Peter Obi’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the Labour Party and his decision to discontinue his support for Obi. Okonkwo made this revelation via a tweet on his known X page, citing his lack of confidence in Obi’s leadership abilities and the party’s internal conflicts as the primary reasons for his exit.

Okonkwo, who joined the Labour Party in 2022, expressed his disappointment with Obi’s handling of the party’s leadership crisis and his failure to build a strong and united party capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He accused Obi of being too weak and indecisive to confront the nation’s pressing issues and secure the mandate of the people.

“I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that PO is now the problem of LP,” Okonkwo stated in his tweet.

The actor-turned-politician also criticized the Labour Party’s national convention held on March 27, 2024, describing it as tainted with “criminality and corruption.” He claimed that the party’s leadership, under the guidance of Julius Abure, had failed to inspire the brand of leadership that could solve Nigeria’s challenges.

“I am suspending my relationship in all ramifications with the purported Abure-led national working committee of the Labour Party,” Okonkwo declared.

The news of Okonkwo’s departure from the Labour Party comes amidst ongoing internal conflicts within the party, with two factions – Abure’s and Lamidi Apapa’s – vying for control. The actor’s decision to leave the party and sever ties with Obi has sparked speculation about his political future, with some suggesting that he may return to the APC.

“Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo will be declaring his return to the APC soon. Details Later…,” tweeted @GoziconC.

However, Okonkwo has not confirmed his intention to rejoin the APC, stating that he remains committed to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a better Nigeria. He emphasized that his decision to leave the Labour Party has nothing to do with joining the APC or PDP, as he is currently focused on pursuing a new political direction that aligns with his vision for the country.

“We need a decisive leader who will be able to build such a party of integrity and character from the grassroots because, eventually, the majority of the people that will populate a government will proceed from the political party of the leader,” Okonkwo explained.

As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, Kenneth Okonkwo’s departure from the Labour Party and his criticism of Peter Obi have raised questions about the future of the party and its ability to challenge the dominant political forces in the country.