In what can only be described as a political breakup worthy of a soap opera, former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has announced his dramatic exit from the party, effective February 25, 2025.
His reasons? A leadership crisis, internal chaos, and what appears to be a party stuck in political quicksand.
Taking to his Instagram soapbox, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support during the 2023 presidential election but didn’t hold back in his critique. According to him, the Labour Party is now a ghost of its former self, thanks to the expiration of its ward, local government, and state executives’ tenures. In simpler terms—no leadership, no structure, no party.
The Grand Exit Statement:
“To all Nigerians of goodwill, I officially tender my resignation from the Labour Party.”
If that sounds dramatic, hold onto your hats because Okonkwo went on to give a fiery breakdown of why he’s done with the party. He pointed out that by February 25, 2025, it will have been two years since the last presidential election and two years until the next one. And yet, the Labour Party, as it currently stands, isn’t even in the race for the future of Nigerian politics.
According to Okonkwo, the party leadership—if it can even be called that—is running on empty. The tenure of ward, local government, and state executives expired ages ago without any congresses held to renew them. In other words, the Labour Party has legally ceased to function, but someone forgot to turn off the lights.
Leadership? What Leadership?
He didn’t stop there. Okonkwo took a swipe at former National Chairman Julius Abure and his former National Working Committee (NWC), stating that they haven’t held a legitimate national convention. And while courts have ruled that political party leadership is an internal affair, that hasn’t stopped the circus from unfolding.
To salvage what’s left of the party, the National Executive Council (NEC) had set up a caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, tasking it with conducting congresses and conventions. But alas, Abure and his allies, with the help of “political jobbers,” have bombarded the committee with legal roadblocks. Six months have passed, and the committee is still spinning its wheels.
“Isn’t it curious,” Okonkwo mused, “that the party leadership is watching elected members defect left and right, yet they’re more interested in fighting tooth and nail to keep control of the party?”
A Party or a Cash Cow?
In what could be interpreted as a political mic drop, Okonkwo accused Abure and company of using southern presidential candidates as mere “cash cows.” He suggested that they’re not serious about competing in 2027, but rather ensuring the ruling party has an easier ride to victory.
“I pity any southern candidate who still believes there’s a future for them in an Abure-led Labour Party,” he remarked, practically issuing a warning to those still clutching onto hope.
A Final Bow
Okonkwo insisted he’s never been one to play both sides and that his sole goal in politics is good governance. But with Labour Party in shambles, he’s calling it quits.
“This party, in its current state, is non-existent,” he declared. “I am left with no choice but to resign.”
Effective February 25, 2025, he will be a free agent, ready to join forces with others who are serious about building a better Nigeria.
With that, Kenneth Okonkwo has officially exited the Labour Party stage. Whether this signals a new chapter in his political career or the beginning of another dramatic saga, only time will tell.
This article was updated 37 minutes ago
