Rita Odafe
Labour Party Responds to Kenneth Okonkwo’s Resignation
The Labour Party has criticized Kenneth Okonkwo, their former spokesperson for the Presidential Campaign Council, following his resignation from the party.
According to TORI, Okonkwo announced in a statement on Tuesday that he believes the Labour Party is unprepared for the 2027 elections due to ongoing internal conflicts.
“My involvement in politics is driven by a desire for effective governance. I can no longer pursue this goal within the current structure of the Labour Party,” he remarked.
He indicated that his resignation will take effect on February 25, 2025, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, and mentioned plans to join a different political movement.
“This resignation will be effective from February 25, 2025, the day marking two years since the 2023 presidential election, after which I will join other like-minded individuals to promote good governance in our blessed nation,” he elaborated.
Okonkwo accused the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, of focusing on personal ambitions rather than the party’s well-being. He also noted that the ongoing legal disputes regarding the party’s leadership have obstructed preparations for upcoming elections.
“The previous National Chairman, Julius Abure, along with his former National Working Committee, has not organized any lawful national convention. As stated by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the courts, the leadership of a political party is an internal matter beyond the courts’ jurisdiction, hence the Labour Party lacks effective national leadership,” he suggested.
He also criticized the Caretaker Committee, led by Nenadi Usman, which was established by the National Executive Council (NEC) to restore the party’s stability, claiming it is being undermined by “political opportunists” resorting to baseless lawsuits to cling to power.
In response, LP National Secretary Umar Farouk dismissed Okonkwo’s allegations, suggesting he is merely seeking attention.
“How many times will he resign? Doesn’t he recall resigning three, four, or even five months back? It seems he only voices his opinion when he seeks relevance,” Farouk remarked.
He further advised Okonkwo to go back to his acting career instead of causing trouble for the party.
“He should take his bag and return to Nollywood where he belongs. He is not suited for any political party since he lacks the qualities of a capable politician,” he concluded.
