Kenneth Okonkwo, the renowned Nollywood actor turned political advocate, stirred controversy during a recent TV appearance with Seun on Channels TV, declaring bluntly that Peter Obi “is not a team player” and that he “betrayed me.” As the former frontline spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, Okonkwo revealed a growing frustration that led him to question the integrity of their partnership.
Reflecting on his journey with the Labour Party, Okonkwo lamented Obi’s reluctance to strengthen the party’s foundation. He said he was “shocked when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria’s problems,” adding, “does it mean Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading nowhere politically?”
He criticized Obi’s passive response to the party’s internal conflicts, particularly within the National Working Committee. “He refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities,” Okonkwo asserted, expressing disappointment at Obi’s silence while members of the Labour unions voiced frustration, saying “PO is now the problem of LP.”
Describing the fallout, Okonkwo said, “Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO … when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself.
He emphasized his unwavering loyalty, but maintained that without Obi’s strength, “I can no longer offer 100% support.”
Moving beyond criticism, Okonkwo announced he’s charting a new political course rooted in principle, not opportunism: “I am earnestly searching for such a leader who has the integrity … charisma and bravery to mobilize the people to sustain victory.”
In accusing Peter Obi of betrayal, Kenneth Okonkwo has not only voiced personal disillusionment but also encapsulated a wider disappointment among party members who expected Obi to champion a robust, grassroots Labour Party. But unfortunately his seemingly inability to handle the political crisis in Labour Party by standing firm on his convections has exposed his platform to confusion a development that has forced Peter Obi
on the accusation of President Bola Tinubu of masterminding the collapse of opposition parties including the Labour Party, so that Peter Obi would not be on the ballot in the next election, Okonkwo argued that “nobody is murdering the political career of Peter Obi, himself, Obi is the one committing political suicide” he concluded.
