Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has officially parted ways with the party and its notable figure, Peter Obi.
Announcing his decision through a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria” on his social media, Okonkwo highlighted internal conflicts and the inability of Peter Obi to resolve these issues as the main reasons for his departure.
Okonkwo’s statement reflects his deep disappointment with the current political landscape in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of a political system built on equity, justice, and fairness, but criticized both the Labour Party and other major parties, like the APC and PDP, for their failures.
He said, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments built around ethnicity, religion, sex, or circumstances of birth.”
“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.”
Okonkwo drew a parallel between political parties and trees, suggesting that corrupt parties cannot produce effective leaders, regardless of individual intentions. He stressed the need for a decisive and selfless leader who could establish a party with integrity from the ground up, capable of winning and securing electoral victories despite the opposition from corrupt entities.
“We also need a decisive leader who will be selfless enough, in boldness and bravery, to secure our victory, when the people vote for such a leader because these corrupt and incompetent leaders are not willing to conduct free and fair elections and will always grab, snatch power from any weak and indecisive leader, and run away with it. Our judiciary has not proved to be equal to the task of preventing the emergence of electoral bandits who steal electoral victories at gunpoint in the public glare of everyone.
“I am earnestly searching for such a leader who has the integrity and also the commensurate charisma and bravery to mobilise the people to sustain victory if Nigeria votes for such a person. The time for calm down is over.”
