posted 11th February 2025
Kenneth Okonkwo Resigns from Labour Party, Citing Leadership Crisis and Political Inertia
Abuja, Nigeria — 11 February 2025
Prominent Nigerian politician and former spokesperson for Peter Obi's 2023 presidential campaign, Mr Kenneth Okonkwo, has officially resigned from the Labour Party (LP), citing deep-rooted leadership crises and the party's inability to position itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a heartfelt resignation letter addressed to "all Nigerians of goodwill," Okonkwo expressed profound gratitude to the electorate for their unwavering support during the 2023 presidential election. He highlighted that the Labour Party was the only political party to secure 25% of votes across all six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, a feat he attributed to the collective belief in their vision for a "new Nigeria."
Despite asserting that they won the 2023 election, Okonkwo lamented that victory was denied due to what he described as a "technical glitch." As the nation approaches the two-year mark since that pivotal election, Okonkwo emphasised the need for political consultations, alignments, and re-alignments, which are globally recognised as vital two years before any major election. However, he decried the Labour Party's current structure, stating it is "non-existent" and incapable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's political future.
Okonkwo pointed to systemic failures within the party, including the expiration of the tenures of ward, local government, and state executives, as stipulated in Article 15(2)(3)(4) of the Labour Party Constitution. He criticised the absence of congresses to renew leadership mandates, effectively rendering these positions defunct.
Furthermore, he denounced the lack of a legally recognised national convention, citing the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) non-recognition of the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). Despite the establishment of a Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee by the National Executive Council (NEC) to salvage the party, Okonkwo revealed that internal legal battles instigated by Abure and his allies had paralysed the committee's efforts.
In his statement, Okonkwo accused Abure of prioritising personal gain over the party's survival, alleging that the Labour Party leadership was more interested in exploiting southern presidential hopefuls as "cash cows" rather than genuinely preparing for competitive elections in 2027.
He criticised the failure to address regional balancing within the party leadership, warning that having both the national chairman and presidential candidate from the South could alienate northern voters in the upcoming elections. According to Okonkwo, this oversight confirms suspicions that certain LP leaders are covertly working to ensure the ruling party's victory.
Reaffirming his commitment to good governance and incorruptible leadership, Okonkwo declared that his political ideals could no longer be pursued within the Labour Party. His resignation will take effect on 25 February 2025, marking the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election. Beyond that date, he plans to align with "well-meaning and like-minded Nigerians" to shape the nation's future.
Okonkwo concluded his statement with a pledge of continued loyalty to the Nigerian people, vowing to remain steadfast in his quest for a prosperous, united, and corruption-free Nigeria.
This development marks a significant shift within Nigeria's opposition landscape, raising questions about the Labour Party's stability and its prospects in the 2027 elections.
