Labour Party Slams Kenneth Okonkwo over Exit from Party

* Says more moles will be exposed, fumigated out of the party

The Labour Party (LP) has reacted strongly Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo’s decision to part ways with Peter Obi, its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Okonkwo, a former spokesman of the Obi Datti Presidential Campaign Council in a piece he titled, “Political Journey To A Great Nigeria,” said he was shocked Obi could not openly support the efforts of the Labour Unions to resolve the leadership crisis in the party.

Explaining why he cut ties with Obi, Okonkwo, who joined the Labour Party from the All Progressives Congress(APC)in the run up to the 2023 election, said:

“There’s also absolutely nothing personal with my decision to adjust my relationship with HE Peter Obi. It’s 100% based on principles and my conviction that I need a more decisive, bold, brave leader with integrity and team spirit who can confront these kakistocrats and kleptocrats head on. I will continue to respect him and cherish the periods we worked together”.

Okonkwo said with his declaration, he is free to embark on negotiation and consultation with like-minded people to determine the next step in his political journey, which does not include joining APC or PDP for now, but includes, and not limited to consolidation of Labour Party.

Responding to Okonkwo’s comments, the LP in a statement signed by Obiora Ifoh its National Publicity Secretary,said Okonkwo’s action didn’t come to the party as a surprise.

“We also think that his attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi is rather unfortunate however we will continue not to dignify him with any response as we understand that his attention craving attitude knows no bound.

If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us”, the statement said.

The LP spokesman said say Nigeria is not lacking in political jesters and jobbers whose stomach sare their gods. He said the party is not perturbed by Okonkwo’s decision to move on and wished him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise.

The statement added that the LP is aware of a few other persons planted as moles, who are presently instigating crisis within the party, and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters.

“We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party.

“Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Peter Obi as its leader and presidential hopefully come 2027 presidential election and we are not apologetical about that position. Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in anyway diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027.