Kenneth Okonkwo Leaves Labour Party, Says Peter Obi Lacks Capacity to Lead Nigeria

 

Kenneth Okonkwo, the spokesperson for the Labour Party presidential campaign in the 2023 general election, has announced his departure from the party. Citing major concerns, Okonkwo attributes his decision to the crisis within the party and the perceived shortcomings of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Criticism of Political Parties

Okonkwo criticized both the Labour Party and the dominant political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused these parties of steering Nigeria towards economic downfall, stating that their leadership is "trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically."

Call for Protests

In a letter released on Sunday, Okonkwo expressed that the APC has left Nigerians with no option but to protest for their survival, as they "can see no hope for the future." He emphasized the need for a robust political party with a solid grassroots base to wrest power from what he termed "kakistocracy and kleptocrats."

Leadership Requirements

Okonkwo stressed the necessity for a decisive and selfless leader who possesses the boldness and bravery to secure victory. He noted that corrupt and incompetent leaders are unwilling to conduct free and fair elections and will always seize power from weak and indecisive candidates. He also criticized the judiciary, referring to them as "electoral bandits who steal electoral victories at gunpoint in the public glare of everyone."

Seeking a New Leader

Okonkwo is on the lookout for a leader with integrity, charisma, and bravery to mobilize the people and sustain victory. He emphasized that the suffering Nigerians are experiencing from leaders they did not vote for cannot continue. He warned that these leaders will remain in power come 2027 unless a decisive leader emerges to stop them with the people's votes.

Disillusionment with Peter Obi

Reflecting on his time with the Labour Party, Okonkwo expressed disappointment with Peter Obi's leadership. He had hoped Obi would seize the momentum post-2023 election to build a solid party of integrity. However, Obi's public declaration that he did not promise to build a strong Labour Party but to solve Nigeria’s problems was a shock to Okonkwo. He believes that without a solid party base, political progress is unattainable.

Internal Party Conflicts

Okonkwo pointed out that Peter Obi failed to support the Labour Unions who founded the party and did not disassociate himself from the expired National Working Committee's activities. This has left Labour Party members confused about the party's future. Okonkwo can no longer represent a leader whose stance on important issues he does not know.

Final Decision

Okonkwo declared his full support for the Labour Unions and other stakeholders fighting for the party's soul without Peter Obi's support. He concluded that Obi lacks the capacity to build a party capable of winning against corrupt leaders and securing a mandate even if elected. Thus, he has decided to continue his political journey without Peter Obi.