Nigerian lawyer, actor, and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has announced his decision to sever ties with the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the party itself, citing concerns over Obi’s leadership style and ability to confront national issues.
In a detailed statement, Okonkwo expressed his commitment to building a great Nigeria founded on equity, justice, and fairness. However, he criticized Obi’s failure to build a strong party base and his ambivalence towards the Labour Union’s efforts to secure the party’s future.
“What is happening in the Labour Party today has inspired in me a determination to chart a new course for my political journey,” Okonkwo stated. He highlighted his initial support for Obi’s presidential bid, but grew disillusioned with Obi’s leadership style, particularly his failure to support the Labour Union and his inability to secure electoral victories.
“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 continued, expressing his disappointment in Obi’s lack of decisive action.
Okonkwo also accused Obi of failing to support the Labour Union’s efforts against criminal activities within the party, leading to confusion among party members about the future direction of the Labour Party.
“I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts,” Okonkwo lamented. He emphasized his support for the Labour Unions and other stakeholders who are now compelled to fight for the soul of the Labour Party without Obi’s backing.
In response, Obi emphasized the importance of humility and patience in leadership, rejecting the notion that his approach indicates weakness. He referred to Okonkwo and others who have left the party as his “beloved younger brothers” who will eventually understand the value of peaceful and patient action.
“In Nigeria, we have become all too accustomed to rascality and forcefully doing things, making noise, and bulldozing our way through, even when we are wrong,” Obi remarked. He stressed that true greatness lies in quiet confidence, humility, and a commitment to excellence, not in loud boasts or aggressive actions.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Okonkwo’s departure from the Labour Party and criticism of Obi’s leadership mark a significant moment, reflecting the ongoing debates about the direction and future of Nigerian politics.
