By Samuel Timothy
Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and his separation from former presidential candidate Peter Obi. In a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” shared on his social media platforms on Saturday, Okonkwo expressed his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and Obi’s failure to address it.
Okonkwo reaffirmed his commitment to building a great Nigeria founded on equity, justice, and fairness but criticized the current political parties, including the Labour Party, for lacking the vision to lead the country to greatness. He stated, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments built around ethnicity, religion, sex, or circumstances of birth.”
He further condemned the APC and PDP, asserting that their leadership is crippling Nigeria economically and politically. Okonkwo highlighted the necessity for a solid political party with a grassroots base to wrestle power from corrupt leaders and emphasized the importance of a decisive leader to build such a party.
He expressed his disillusionment with the Labour Party, recounting his initial hopes post-2023 general election that Peter Obi could build a strong, integrity-driven party capable of overthrowing corrupt leaders. However, Okonkwo was disheartened by Obi’s public admission that he did not prioritize building a strong Labour Party and his failure to address internal party issues.
Okonkwo criticized Obi for not supporting the Labour Unions’ efforts to fight for workers’ welfare and failing to openly back the party against internal threats. He stated, “I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win against 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.”
Okonkwo declared that his decision to leave the Labour Party was not influenced by a desire to join APC or PDP but stemmed from his commitment to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a better Nigeria. He emphasized his search for a decisive, bold leader with integrity who could confront corrupt leaders and secure electoral victories.
He concluded by asserting his readiness to negotiate and consult with like-minded individuals to determine the next step in his political journey, which may include consolidating the Labour Party but not joining APC or PDP for now. Okonkwo also called on the government to handle protests with wisdom and restraint, emphasizing that good governance is the best way to avoid protests.
