Veteran Nollywood actor and former Labour Party spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of betrayal and poor leadership in handling the Labour Party Crisis.
In a recent interview with Symfoni TV, Okonkwo claimed Obi failed to manage the leadership crisis that has rocked the Labour Party since the general elections. He alleged that Obi sided with the Julius Abure-led faction, which he accused of aligning with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okonkwo revealed that repeated efforts were made to advise Obi against supporting Abure’s camp, but the former Anambra governor allegedly refused to listen.
He criticise Obi’s leadership style, describing him as someone who lacks the qualities of a team player and a strategic political planner.
“When we started in 2023, it was an organic movement. Nigerians were hungry for change. I joined the movement not because of politics but out of passion for the welfare and security of the people. I wasn’t drafted—I came on board by choice. When I was made a spokesperson, I took up the role and gave it my best. Everyone saw my contributions,” Okonkwo stated.
He expressed disappointment in Obi’s post-election actions, accusing him of failing to capitalise on the momentum of 2023 and prepare for 2027. According to Okonkwo, Obi is acting like a politician of convenience, not conviction, and is now damaging his own political future.
“Peter Obi is not being sabotaged—he is committing political suicide. And I mean it,” he said.
Okonkwo also responded to claims that he betrayed Obi by leaving the Labour Party. He insisted that a capable politician cannot be betrayed by anyone. “If there’s any betrayal, it came from Peter Obi. He betrayed me,” he added.
