By By Muminat Ajide
Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, has left the party.
Okonkwo, who joined the LP in 2022, announced his decision in a statement on his X handle earlier today.
Below are 10 punchlines from Kenneth Okonkwo’s statement as he parts ways with Peter Obi:
1. Commitment to a Great Nigeria:
“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.”
2. Critique of APC and PDP Leadership:
Okonkwo criticizes both major political parties, APC and PDP, for their failure to uplift Nigeria economically and politically.
“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.” He said
3. Call for a Strong Grassroots Political Party:
He emphasizes the constitutional need for a political party rooted in grassroots support, capable of challenging and replacing the current crop of corrupt and incompetent leaders (“kakistocrats and kleptocrats”).
“Unfortunately, by our Constitution, we need a solid political party with solid grassroots base to be able to wrestle power from these kakistocrats and kleptocrats.”
4. Disillusionment with Peter Obi’s Leadership in Labour Party:
Kenneth expresses disappointment with Peter Obi’s leadership in the Labour Party, citing a lack of clear direction and failure to build a strong party structure capable of competing effectively against established political elites.
“What is happening in Labour Party today has inspired in me a determination to chart a new course for my political journey. After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes on Labour Party.”
5. Loss of Confidence in Peter Obi’s Leadership:
Okonkwo states his loss of confidence in Peter Obi’s ability to lead effectively, both within the Labour Party and potentially as a national leader. He questions Obi’s capacity to secure electoral victories and implement meaningful change.
“However, the consequence is that I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate.”
6. Support for Labour Unions and Grassroots Movements:
Okonkwo criticizes the absence of internal democracy within political parties, which often leads to the emergence of leaders who prioritize personal gain over public service. He advocates for parties that promote meritocracy and genuine leadership selection processes.
“I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers.”
7. Decision to Forge Ahead Independently:
Okonkwo states his loss of confidence in Peter Obi’s ability to lead effectively, both within the Labour Party and potentially as a national leader. He questions Obi’s capacity to secure electoral victories and implement meaningful change.
“It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi. I am always 100% loyal to a leader whenever I am.”
8. Need for Internal Democracy in Political Parties:
Okonkwo criticizes the absence of internal democracy within political parties, which often leads to the emergence of leaders who prioritize personal gain over public service. He advocates for parties that promote meritocracy and genuine leadership selection processes.
“Nigeria’s problems today come from lack of internal democracy in the parties which become a breeding ground for the production of incompetent and corrupt leaders in government.”
9. Judicial Failures in Upholding Democracy:
Kenneth points out perceived failures within Nigeria’s judiciary, alleging that judicial processes are often manipulated or misused, which undermines democratic principles and allows electoral malpractice to persist unchecked.
“It is obvious that the judiciary will not give us democracy because of abuse of the judicial process.”
10. Desire for Effective Leadership and Electoral Integrity:
He calls for leaders who possess the courage and integrity to ensure electoral processes are fair and transparent.
“We also need a decisive leader who will be elfless enough, in boldness and bravery, to secure our victory.”he stated
