Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesman for the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, publicly demanded that Peter Obi, the party’s ex-presidential candidate, explain what he meant by accusing Okonkwo of betrayal. He made this challenge during an appearance on Channels Television’s show Sunday Politics, where he also defended his loyalty and confirmed that he never consulted with Obi’s opponents during the election.
Okonkwo Declares His Unwavering Loyalty
Speaking boldly, Okonkwo stated, “When I worked for him, I never consulted any politician. I am making a public statement. I never talked to any political party. I was 100% loyal.” He reiterated that his commitment ended only when he formally left the party, saying, “When I left, I told the whole world… I said from now onward, I am not going to speak for this person again.”
He guided viewers through his definition of betrayal: “They don’t understand what betrayal means. Anybody who is writing or saying anything about me is a reflection of who that person is; not a reflection of who I am.” This marked a strong rebuttal to Obi’s earlier remarks about disloyalty.
The Origin of the Rift
Okonkwo walked away from the Labour Party in July 2024, citing unresolved internal conflicts and Obi’s inaction in resolving them. He expressed disappointment over Obi’s handling of a party leadership crisis and accused him of failing to provide direction. At the time, he described the party leadership as lacking.
“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,” explained Okonkwo. He had hoped Obi would leverage campaign momentum to build a robust grassroots party, but that did not materialize.
No Material Gain, Only Principles
Okonkwo firmly denied any financial ties to Obi during the campaign. He insisted he took no money or received a house from the former governor. He emphasized that his departure owed entirely to principle: “I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.”
Biblical Metaphor Sparks Debate
Okonkwo also addressed a biblical reference made by Obi, who compared himself to Jesus and implied someone close had betrayed him. Okonkwo challenged that notion, asking rhetorically, “How can you betray somebody you are not working for?” His point: accusations of betrayal ring hollow when loyalty was neither given nor expected.
A Nollywood Star Turned Political Voice
Okonkwo’s journey from celebrated actor to political activist and campaign spokesman began in August 2022, when he left the All Progressives Congress over ticket disputes and joined the Labour Party in support of Obi’s vision. He campaigned vigorously until growing frustration with internal party disputes prompted his exit.
Following his resignation, no major political party quickly embraced him. Okonkwo clarified he had no immediate plans to join either the ruling party or main opposition. Instead, he declared himself free to chart a new path rooted in principle and patriotism.
Reaction Within the Party
Labour Party officials dismissed Okonkwo’s statements as expected and labelled him a “mole” whose critiques were attention-seeking. One party official said his departure was unsurprising, stating they were aware of operatives trying to destabilize the party from within.
Officials maintained that the party remained united behind Obi, particularly in preparing for the 2027 elections. They declined to offer a detailed response, deeming further engagement with Okonkwo’s remarks unnecessary.
Why This Break Matters
Okonkwo characterized Obi’s decision not to confront internal leadership issues as a failure to exercise moral courage. He warned that without decisive, principle-driven leadership, the party could not compete with entrenched political systems dominated by corruption and ethnic favoritism.
He pushed back on the narrative that Obi’s metaphor implied betrayal, set against a contrasting claim that Okonkwo had remained silent and never consulted other politicians while campaigning.
Broader Implications for Labour Party
Okonkwo’s defection highlights deeper challenges within the Labour Party. Leadership dysfunction, unresolved internal rifts, and lack of transparent strategy have hampered its ability to grow beyond a winning 2023 campaign.
Observers note that other prominent figures have also left the party, frequently citing the same concerns. Some analysts argue unresolved internal conflict and mixed loyalty signals jeopardize the party’s position heading into future elections.
What’s Next for Okonkwo
Positioning himself as an independent voice, Okonkwo said he would seek alliances grounded in integrity, charisma, and courageous leadership. He declined to reveal further political plans, but hinted that collaboration with like-minded leaders may be on his horizon—beyond the current political duopoly.
Despite departing from the campaign, Okonkwo remains invested in Nigeria’s future. He plans to amplify calls for leadership models based on equity, justice, and grassroots mobilization.
Final Take
Kenneth Okonkwo stands firm in his loyalty and expectations: he served under Peter Obi with full commitment, resigned on principle amid leadership failures, and now challenges Obi to justify claims of betrayal. With tensions between loyalty and leadership spilling into public view, Okonkwo’s critique places renewed pressure on the Labour Party to resolve internal divisions and articulate clearer direction before 2027.
