Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign, has announced that he is leaving the party. Okonkwo has also decided to part ways with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate.
In a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” which he shared on his social media platforms on Saturday, Okonkwo expressed his disappointment with the internal issues within the Labour Party and Peter Obi’s failure to address them.
Okonkwo said, “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 criticized the current political parties, including the Labour Party, saying they lack the ability to lead Nigeria to greatness.
He added, “It’s obvious that the APC or PDP, as presently constituted, do not have what it takes to lead us to a great Nigeria.”
Okonkwo emphasized the need for a strong political party with a solid grassroots base to challenge the current political leaders.
He likened a party to a political tree, saying, “A corrupt tree cannot produce good fruits regardless of the leader’s integrity and intentions.”
Okonkwo attributed Nigeria’s problems to a lack of internal democracy within parties, leading to incompetent and corrupt leaders in government. He stressed the need for a decisive leader to build a party of integrity from the grassroots.
He recalled “the struggle to liberate Nigeria from corrupt leaders in 2023, only for the victory to be stolen.”
He expressed doubts about “the ability of the judiciary to deliver democracy due to judicial abuse and urged people to vote for the right president and ensure that person is sworn in.”
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Okonkwo also mentioned that “after the 2023 general election, many Nigerians, including himself, had high hopes for the Labour Party.”
However, he was disappointed when “Peter Obi publicly declared that he didn’t promise to build a strong Labour Party but to solve Nigeria’s problems.”
“I was like, does it mean Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading nowhere politically?” Okonkwo said.
Okonkwo revealed that “every member of the Labour Party is confused about the party’s future due to a lack of leadership from Peter Obi. He admitted that when members look to him for guidance on Obi’s standpoint, he has nothing to say because he is unaware.”
“I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader whose stance on important issues is unknown to me,” he added.
Okonkwo criticized Obi for not supporting the Labour Unions, who are now fighting to save the Labour Party from being hijacked by criminals.
He stated, “I no longer have the confidence that Peter Obi has what it takes to build a party that can win against these kakistocrats and kleptocrats.”
Okonkwo concluded by “stating his decision to leave the Labour Party has nothing to do with joining the APC or PDP.”
He emphasized that he remains “committed to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a better Nigeria. He called for a decisive, bold leader with integrity to confront corrupt leaders.”
“I am always 100% loyal to a leader whenever I am working or following the leader. At any time I have doubts within me that I can no longer offer 100% loyalty to him, I will respectfully let everyone know,” Okonkwo stated.
He declared his intention to negotiate and consult with like-minded individuals to determine the next step in their political journey, stressing that this will not involve joining the APC or PDP for now but may include consolidating the Labour Party.
Okonkwo emphasized that Nigeria must regain its greatness despite opposition from corrupt leaders and urged peaceful protests, stating that good governance is the best way to avoid protests.