In a dramatic and scathing resignation letter, Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Organisation, has announced his departure from the party, citing its inability to reform or function effectively ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The actor-turned-politician, known for his fiery speeches and sharp political insights, revealed that the current state of the Labour Party renders it incapable of offering any meaningful challenge in the upcoming elections.
“By February 25, 2025, we will mark two years since the 2023 presidential election, and, as a democratic convention worldwide, political consultations and re-alignments should already be in full swing. Unfortunately, Labour Party, as it stands, is not in a position to be a part of that force,” Okonkwo wrote in a resignation letter addressed to Nigerians of goodwill.
His resignation comes at a crucial moment, as Nigeria’s political scene is already beginning to gear up for the next general elections. The country is expected to witness intense political alignments, which Okonkwo argues the Labour Party is incapable of navigating. He categorically labeled the party “non-existent” due to the lack of proper congresses and conventions at critical levels, a situation he attributed to the expiration of the current leadership’s tenure.
A Call for Accountability
In his letter, Okonkwo delved deeper into the challenges facing the Labour Party’s leadership, focusing on what he described as a “failed” structure under former National Chairman, Julius Abure. He pointed to the absence of a national convention, a lack of proper leadership renewal, and a string of legal battles as evidence of the party’s deep dysfunction.
“The tenure of the party’s ward, local government, and state executives has expired. The leadership as currently constituted is non-functional,” Okonkwo remarked. “The Labour Party is now a shadow of its former self.”
He also criticized the party’s inability to field a serious candidate in the 2027 elections, especially given its failure to make key reforms, including ceding the National Chairmanship position to the North—an act he deemed crucial for a balanced Southern presidential bid.
“The party has failed to make critical political moves. For instance, we had suggested the need for a northern National Chairman to balance a southern presidential candidate. This is not just a political gesture but a strategy vital to unseating the ruling party,” he said.
Political Allegiances and Allegations of Mismanagement
Okonkwo didn’t mince words in his assessment of the Labour Party’s internal strife. He accused Abure and other party leaders of using the Labour Party for personal gain, rather than for the betterment of Nigeria. According to Okonkwo, some political figures within the party were working to “maintain a destructive chokehold” on the party, using frivolous legal battles as a means of retaining power and blocking any meaningful progress.
“It’s clear to me now that Abure and his associates are not concerned with the party’s survival or the future of Nigeria,” he said. “Rather, they are interested in their personal pockets. This is why they are fighting tooth and nail to remain in control, despite their inability to win over the trust of Nigerians.”
He went further to suggest that those still clinging to the party under Abure’s leadership were either blind to the political realities of Nigeria or had “no serious political future” within the framework of the current Labour Party. Okonkwo’s blunt remarks strike a blow to the remaining leadership within the party, undermining their credibility just as political re-alignments begin.
Okonkwo’s Next Steps: A Political Future Beyond Labour Party?
Despite the shocking nature of his resignation, Okonkwo made it clear that his departure was not the end of his political journey. In his letter, he pledged his continued loyalty to the Nigerian people and emphasized his unwavering commitment to fighting for good governance.
“I have never been double-faced in my life, and I have never betrayed a cause I fought for. I remain dedicated to ensuring that Nigeria becomes a great country of incorruptible men,” he stated.
While he did not explicitly announce his next political move, Okonkwo hinted at joining forces with like-minded individuals and political groups to chart a new course for the country. He made it clear that he was open to aligning with those who share his vision of a prosperous, corruption-free Nigeria.
“I will be at liberty to join forces with other well-meaning Nigerians to build a great future for this country,” he concluded.
The Labour Party’s Struggles: A Wider Crisis?
Okonkwo’s resignation comes amidst mounting questions about the future of the Labour Party. The party, which enjoyed a significant following during the 2023 elections, has been plagued by internal divisions, leadership squabbles, and a failure to build on its post-election momentum. The inability to effectively address these challenges has left the party in a precarious position as Nigeria approaches the next round of general elections.
For many, Okonkwo’s resignation may be seen as the last straw in a party already crumbling under the weight of infighting and factionalism. Analysts have long warned that unless the Labour Party reforms and embraces a more inclusive leadership structure, it risks becoming irrelevant in Nigeria’s increasingly complex political landscape.
