Nollywood actor and former spokesman of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has announced his exit from the party. Mr Okonkwo, who joined the party in 2022, disclosed via his X handle that the reason for his exit is that the party failed to inspire the brand of leadership that can solve Nigeria’s challenges.
According to the statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” Okonkwo cited his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and the failure of Peter Obi to address it.
He also emphasised that the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.
“It’s obvious that the APC or PDP, as presently constituted, do not have what it takes to lead us to a great Nigeria.
“Indeed, their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically, politically, and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival. They can see no hope for the future.
“Unfortunately, by our Constitution, we need a solid political party with a solid grassroots base to be able to wrestle power from these kakistocrats and kleptocrats.
“We, therefore, need a decisive leader who will be able to build such a party of integrity and character from the grassroots because, eventually, the majority of the people that will populate a government will proceed from the political party of the leader,” he said.
Okonkwo also lamented the current situation in the Labour Party which he said has motivated him to pursue a new political direction.
“After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes for the Labour Party. I believed that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats...
“However, I continued in his defence believing he will still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems, (but) to no avail,” He noted.
Mr Okonkwo disclosed that “It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi.”
FULL STATEMENT
