The Labour Party (LP) has reacted strongly to Kenneth Okonkwo’s resignation from its ranks, with the party’s leadership telling the actor-turned-politician that his future lies not in politics, but rather back on the set of Nollywood. In a surprising turn of events, LP has officially distanced itself from Okonkwo, labeling his recent decision to quit the party as nothing more than a cry for relevance.
Okonkwo, who previously served as a spokesperson for the LP’s Presidential Campaign Council, made headlines on Tuesday, February 11, when he publicly declared that he was resigning from the party, citing “internal crises” and leadership challenges as the main reasons for his departure. The actor’s comments added fuel to an ongoing debate about the future of the Labour Party, which has seen several high-profile exits and defections in recent months.
“I can no longer continue with a party that is not ready for the upcoming 2027 general elections,” Okonkwo stated in his resignation announcement. “The leadership has failed to address the internal problems that are holding us back, and it is clear to me that the Labour Party is not focused on the good governance I stand for,” he continued.
Okonkwo’s criticisms were not limited to the party’s internal structure. He also took aim at Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the LP, accusing him of putting his personal interests ahead of the party’s growth. “The party’s national leadership has been ineffective and incapable of resolving the crises. I cannot continue to associate myself with such a leadership,” Okonkwo asserted.
However, the Labour Party leadership was swift to respond, rejecting Okonkwo’s claims and accusing him of seeking attention through his resignation. Umar Farouk, the National Secretary of the LP, dismissed Okonkwo’s criticisms as baseless and labeled his departure as an act of self-promotion.
“He is just trying to get attention. How many times will he announce his resignation? This is not the first time he has left the party,” Farouk remarked in an interview with PUNCH on Tuesday. “This is someone who has been jumping from party to party, from APGA to PDP to APC, and now Labour. What exactly is his mission in our party?”
Farouk’s remarks were direct and unflinching. He went further to suggest that Okonkwo should return to his roots in Nollywood, implying that his talents were better suited to the entertainment industry rather than the political sphere. “Let him go. We don’t need him in the party. He is not a good politician, and he should go back to acting where he belongs,” Farouk stated.
The Labour Party has been rocked by internal turbulence since the 2023 general elections, and Okonkwo’s departure has added to the growing list of high-profile figures who have publicly fallen out with the party’s leadership. His resignation comes just months after a similar announcement, which was later followed by an equally dramatic re-entry into the party. Farouk pointed to this as evidence of Okonkwo’s lack of commitment and political discipline.
“He just finds joy in throwing Abure’s name around whenever he wants to get attention. I have already addressed this issue with him in the past, but it seems he only resurfaces when he’s looking for relevance. Let him go back to Nollywood. He has no place in any political party,” Farouk emphasized.
Okonkwo, who has been a vocal advocate for good governance and transparency, entered the political arena in 2022, following the Labour Party’s surge in popularity after the 2023 presidential elections. His shift from a career in acting to politics was widely seen as a desire to bring positive change to Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, his tenure within the party has been marked by controversy, with accusations of leadership infighting and disorganization within the LP. Okonkwo’s resignation statement further underscores the growing disillusionment within the party as the 2027 general elections approach.
The Labour Party, which has long prided itself on being an alternative to Nigeria’s entrenched political elites, is facing an existential crisis as it grapples with issues of leadership, unity, and political direction. The party’s struggle to present a unified front has led many to question whether it is truly ready for the next electoral cycle.
While Okonkwo’s exit is significant, it is far from an isolated incident. The party has seen a number of prominent figures drift away over the past year, citing similar frustrations with the lack of clear leadership and a cohesive strategy for the future. The resignation of a high-profile spokesperson like Okonkwo will likely intensify these concerns, especially as the party looks to build momentum ahead of 2027.
In the meantime, Okonkwo’s future in politics remains uncertain. Having been a member of several political parties over the years, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), it is unclear where he will land next. Some political analysts speculate that Okonkwo may try to forge a new political path, though his credibility in the eyes of the public and his fellow politicians could be at risk due to his frequent shifts in allegiances.
Despite the political drama surrounding his resignation, Okonkwo has remained resolute in his commitment to good governance. “My fight for a better Nigeria will continue, but I can no longer pursue it within the Labour Party as it stands,” he concluded in his resignation statement.
As the Labour Party attempts to move past Okonkwo’s departure, it remains to be seen how the leadership will navigate the ongoing internal challenges. The upcoming 2027 elections may serve as a litmus test for the party’s ability to address its crises and present a united front to the electorate. For now, however, the party’s message to Okonkwo is clear: the spotlight may shine brighter on him in Nollywood than it ever will in Nigerian politics.
