In a shocking move, Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party.
Okonkwo has also parted ways with the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” Okonkwo cited his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and Obi’s failure to address it.
He expressed his commitment to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness but stated that the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.
Okonkwo attributed Nigeria’s problems to a lack of internal democracy within parties, leading to the emergence of incompetent and corrupt leaders in government. He said the current situation in the Labour Party has motivated him to pursue a new political direction.
Okonkwo had high hopes for the Labour Party after the 2023 general election but was disappointed by Obi’s lack of leadership and direction. He said every member of the Labour Party is confused about the party’s future due to Obi’s absence of leadership.
He 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.”
“It’s obvious that the APC or PDP, as presently constituted, do not have what it takes to lead us to a great Nigeria. 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.
“Unfortunately, by our Constitution, we need a solid political party with a solid grassroots base to be able to wrestle power from these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. We, therefore, 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.”
Continuing he 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? However, I continued in his defence believing he would still privately bring the needed solution to LP’s problems. To no avail.
Okonkwo says his decision to leave the Labour Party has nothing to do with joining the APC or PDP, as he remains committed to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a better Nigeria.
