The Labour Party has responded to the resignation of its former presidential campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, expressing that his departure did not come as a surprise. The party also condemned Okonkwo, an actor turned politician, for his recent criticism of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing it as an attempt to seek attention.
In a statement, Okonkwo announced that he had ended his political association with the Labour Party and Peter Obi. Okonkwo had defected to the Labour Party on August 24, 2022, just one month after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to the party’s decision to field a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. At the time, Okonkwo stated that he joined the Labour Party to promote good governance and contribute to building a new Nigeria.
In his resignation statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” which he shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Okonkwo expressed his disappointment with the Labour Party’s internal crisis and Obi’s failure to address it. He criticized Obi for not taking a proactive stance in securing his presidential mandate and implied that Obi lacked the necessary leadership qualities to build a successful political party.
“It is expected for a presidential candidate to be willing to fight and ensure he is sworn in as president, not watch while his victory is taken away from him. I no longer have confidence that Peter Obi has what it takes to build a party that can defeat the kakistocrats and kleptocrats. Even if people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate,” Okonkwo said. He emphasized that a president must be willing to lead from the front and not allow his followers to take the lead.
In response, Labour Party National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, issued a statement on Sunday, asserting that Okonkwo’s resignation was anticipated. Ifoh criticized Okonkwo’s attack on Peter Obi, labeling it unfortunate and attention-seeking. He noted that the party would not dignify Okonkwo’s comments with a detailed response.
“Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation from the Labour Party didn’t come as a surprise. His attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi, is rather unfortunate. However, we will continue not to dignify him with any response as we understand that his attention-craving attitude knows no bounds,” Ifoh stated.
Ifoh also referenced recent defections from the party, including those of a former Director General and a former Deputy Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organization, who both rejoined the APC. He implied that Okonkwo’s departure was part of a pattern of political maneuvering.
“Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomachs are their gods. Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and, in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavors, whether in acting, law practice, politics, or otherwise,” Ifoh added. He also mentioned that the party is aware of individuals attempting to instigate crises within the party for the benefit of their paymasters and warned that such elements would be exposed and removed.
The Labour Party reiterated its commitment to Peter Obi as its leader and its presidential hopeful for the 2027 election. The party stated that coordinated attacks would not diminish the trust that Nigerians, particularly the Obidients and youths, have in Obi.
“Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly the Obidients and youths in Nigeria, have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027,” Ifoh concluded.
Peoplesmind
