Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi

Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and his split with Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate.

In a statement posted on social media titled “Political Journey Towards a Great Nigeria” on Saturday, Okonkwo cited dissatisfaction with internal party conflicts and Peter Obi’s failure to address them as the reasons for his departure.

Okonkwo reiterated his commitment to a vision of Nigeria based on equality, justice and fairness, but criticized the current political parties, including the Labour Party, for lacking the capacity to lead the country effectively.

He stated, “I am committed, without reservation, to building a great Nigeria based on equality, justice and fairness, where every citizen shall be free and able to aspire to occupy any position or rank in life regardless of primordial sentiments built around tribe, religion, sex or circumstances of birth.”

Okonkwo argued that neither the APC nor the PDP was capable of leading Nigeria to greatness, and felt their combined leadership would only hinder the country’s progress.

He added, “In fact, their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria because this blessed country is now in decline economically, politically and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival. They see no hope for the future.”

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He stressed the need for a political party with a strong grassroots base to challenge the current leadership and stressed the need for a firm leader to build such a party. He likened political parties to trees that produce leadership cadres in government, stating that a corrupt tree will not produce good fruit.

Okonkwo criticized the lack of internal democracy in the party, which he said produced incompetent and corrupt leaders. He stressed that the right leader must be able to build a party of integrity from the grassroots.

“We also need a firm leader, who is selfless, who is brave and courageous to secure our victory, when the people elect such a leader because these corrupt and incompetent leaders do not want to hold free and fair elections and will always seize, seize power from weak and indecisive leaders, and run away,” he said. “Our justice system has not proven capable of preventing the emergence of election bandits who steal election victories at gunpoint in front of the public.”

Okonkwo expressed disappointment with the outcome of the 2023 elections and the role of the judiciary, urging Nigerians to actively elect a president who will genuinely address the country’s problems and ensure a proper transition of power.

Reflecting on his time with the Labour Party, Okonkwo noted his early high hopes for the party and Peter Obi’s potential to lead a transformative movement. However, he expressed disappointment when Obi publicly stated that he was not committed to building a strong Labour Party, but to solving Nigeria’s problems.

“I was shocked the first time when he openly stated that he did not promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party but to solve Nigeria’s problems,” Okonkwo said. “I thought, does that mean HE Peter Obi does not realize that without a solid party base, we are not going anywhere politically?”

Okonkwo also criticized Obi for failing to support the Trade Unions in their fight for the integrity of the party and for not taking action against the previous actions of the National Working Committee. He stated that the lack of clarity in leadership from Obi left party members confused and directionless.

“I am surprised that the PO cannot openly support the noble efforts of the Trade Union in establishing the Labour Party as a base for fighting for the welfare of workers,” Okonkwo added. “I cannot continue to persist in this ambivalence.”

Okonkwo stressed that his departure from the Labour Party and his separation from Obi were principled decisions and not a prelude to joining the APC or PDP. He remains committed to finding a strong and principled leader who can fight corruption and build a better future for Nigeria.

He concluded by affirming his freedom to explore new political alliances while reiterating his dedication to Nigeria’s progress and urging peaceful protest as a democratic right.

Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.