Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has officially announced his departure from the party.
Okonkwo, who also distanced himself from the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, shared his reasons in a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” posted on his social media platforms on Saturday.
Citing his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and Peter Obi’s failure to address it, Okonkwo expressed his unwavering commitment to building a great Nigeria founded on equity, justice, and fairness. He remarked, “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 criticized the existing major political parties, the APC and PDP, stating, “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.”
Highlighting the need for a solid political party with a strong grassroots base, Okonkwo emphasized the importance of internal democracy within parties to prevent the rise of corrupt and incompetent leaders. “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,” he asserted.
He drew an analogy, likening a political party to a tree that produces the leadership cadre in government, noting, “A corrupt tree cannot produce good fruits regardless of the leader’s integrity and intentions.” Okonkwo stressed that the lack of internal democracy leads to the emergence of incompetent and corrupt leaders in government.
Reflecting on his experience with the Labour Party and Peter Obi, Okonkwo revealed his disillusionment. “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. He continued to support Obi, hoping for private solutions to the party’s problems, but was ultimately let down.
Expressing his frustration, Okonkwo stated, “Every member of the Labour Party is confused about the party’s future due to a lack of leadership from Peter Obi.” He added, “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, to the extent that some of them are openly saying that PO is now the problem of LP.”
Okonkwo concluded that he could no longer support a leader whose stance on important issues was unknown to him. “I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever,” he declared, emphasizing his decision to continue his political journey without Peter Obi and the Labour Party. “It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi,” he said.
Okonkwo clarified that his decision had nothing to do with joining the APC or PDP, as he remains dedicated to the aspirations of the Nigerian people. He emphasized the need for a decisive, bold leader with integrity to confront corrupt leaders and expressed his willingness to negotiate and consult with like-minded individuals.
In his closing remarks, Okonkwo called on the government to handle protests with wisdom and restraint, highlighting that good governance is the best way to avoid protests. “Protest is a democratic right and should not be prevented,” he asserted, urging protesters to remain peaceful.
