Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party. He has also severed ties with the party’s 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 internal crisis within the Labour Party and Peter Obi’s failure to address these issues. He emphasized his commitment to building a Nigeria founded on equity, justice, and fairness, but stated that the current political parties, including the Labour Party, lack the capability to lead the country to greatness.
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 both the APC and PDP, stating that their leadership is crippling Nigeria economically, politically, and in every other aspect, leaving the people with no hope for the future. He underscored the need for a solid political party with a strong grassroots base to wrest power from corrupt leaders and called for a decisive leader who can build such a party.
Okonkwo likened political parties to trees, suggesting that a corrupt party cannot produce good leaders, regardless of the leader’s intentions. He attributed Nigeria’s problems to the lack of internal democracy within parties, which results in the emergence of incompetent and corrupt leaders in government.
He stressed the need for a selfless, bold, and brave leader who can secure victory when the people vote for them, as current leaders are not willing to conduct free and fair elections. Okonkwo expressed skepticism about the judiciary’s ability to deliver democracy due to judicial abuse and urged people to take control of their destiny by voting for the right leaders.
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, Okonkwo voiced his disappointment with the Labour Party and Peter Obi’s inability to provide the necessary leadership. He believed Obi had the potential to build a strong, integrity-driven party capable of defeating corrupt leaders but was let down by his lack of decisive action.
Okonkwo said, “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 nowhere politically?”
He criticized Obi for not openly supporting the Labour Unions, which are fighting to prevent criminals from hijacking the party. Okonkwo stated that the lack of leadership from Obi has left party members confused about the party’s future.
Okonkwo concluded by saying that he cannot continue to support a leader whose stance on important issues is unknown to him. He emphasized that his decision to leave the Labour Party is based on principles and not personal reasons. He remains committed to finding a decisive, bold leader with integrity to confront corrupt leaders and build a better Nigeria.
Okonkwo stated that his departure from the Labour Party does not mean he will join the APC or PDP. Instead, he is open to negotiating and consulting with like-minded individuals to determine the next step in their political journey, which may include consolidating the Labour Party.
He called on the government to manage protests with wisdom and restraint, highlighting that good governance is the best way to avoid protests, as bad governance makes them inevitable.
