Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and his separation from Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate.
In a statement posted on social media titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria” on Saturday, Okonkwo cited dissatisfaction with the party’s internal conflicts and Peter Obi’s failure to address them as reasons for his exit.
Okonkwo reaffirmed his commitment to a vision of Nigeria based on equity, justice, and fairness but criticized the current political parties, including the Labour Party, for lacking the capability to lead the country effectively.
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.”
Okonkwo argued that neither the APC nor the PDP are equipped to lead Nigeria to greatness, describing their combined leadership as detrimental to the country’s progress.
He added, “Indeed, their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically, politically, and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival. They can see no hope for the future.”
He emphasized the necessity of a political party with a strong grassroots base to challenge the current leadership and stressed the need for a decisive leader to build such a party. He likened political parties to trees that produce the leadership cadre in government, stating that a corrupt tree cannot yield good fruit.
Okonkwo criticized the lack of internal democracy in parties, which he believes results in incompetent and corrupt leaders. He emphasized that the right leader should be capable of building a party of integrity from the grassroots level.
“We also need a decisive leader who will be selfless enough, in boldness and bravery, to secure our victory, when the people vote for such a leader because these corrupt and incompetent leaders are not willing to conduct free and fair elections and will always grab, snatch power from any weak and indecisive leader, and run away with it,” he said. “Our judiciary has not proved to be equal to the task of preventing the emergence of electoral bandits who steal electoral victories at gunpoint in the public glare of everyone.”
Okonkwo expressed his disillusionment with the 2023 election outcomes and the judiciary’s role, urging Nigerians to actively choose a president who will genuinely address the country’s issues and ensure a proper transition of power.
Reflecting on his time with the Labour Party, Okonkwo noted his initial high hopes for the party and Peter Obi’s potential to lead a transformative movement. However, he expressed disappointment when Obi publicly stated he did not promise to build a strong Labour Party but to solve Nigeria’s problems.
“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,” Okonkwo said. “I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading nowhere politically?”
Okonkwo also criticized Obi for failing to support Labour Unions in their fight for the party’s integrity and for not taking action against the former National Working Committee’s actions. He stated that the lack of leadership clarity from Obi left party members confused and without guidance.
“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,” Okonkwo added. “I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever.”
Okonkwo clarified that his departure from the Labour Party and his split from Obi are principled decisions and not a prelude to joining the APC or PDP. He remains committed to seeking a decisive and principled leader who can confront corruption and build a better future for Nigeria.
He concluded by affirming his freedom to explore new political alliances while reaffirming his dedication to Nigeria’s improvement and urging peaceful protests as a democratic right.
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