Okonkwo part ways with Peter Obi, dumps LP
Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesman for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party. Okonkwo has also parted ways with former presidential candidate of LP, Peter Obi. In a statement titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria,” which he shared on his social media platforms on Saturday, Okonkwo cited his disappointment with the party’s internal crisis and the failure of its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to address it.
Okonkwo expressed his commitment to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, but stated that the current political parties, including the Labour Party, do not have what it takes to lead the country to greatness.
He said, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments built around ethnicity, religion, s@x, or circumstances of birth.”
“It’s obvious that the APC or PDP, as presently constituted, do not have what it takes to lead us to a great Nigeria. Indeed, their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically, politically, and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival.
They can see no hope for the future. “Unfortunately, by our Constitution, we need a solid political party with a solid grassroots base to be able to wrestle power from these kakistocrats and kleptocrats.
We, therefore, need a decisive leader who will be able to build such a party of integrity and character from the grassroots because, eventually, the majority of the people that will populate a government will proceed from the political party of the leader.” He likened a party to a political tree that produces the leadership cadre in government, stating that a corrupt tree cannot produce good fruits regardless of the leader’s integrity and intentions.
Nigeria’s challenges were attributed to the absence of internal democracy within political parties, resulting in the rise of inept and corrupt leaders in government. The necessity of a resolute leader capable of establishing a party rooted in integrity and character at the grassroots level was underscored.
The call for a leader who is bold, selfless, and courageous to ensure victory in the face of corrupt and incompetent leaders who manipulate elections was made. The judiciary’s failure to prevent electoral fraud was highlighted, emphasizing the urgent need for a leader with integrity, charisma, and bravery to mobilize the people for sustained victory.
The time for complacency is over. Okonkwo reflected on the struggle to free Nigeria from corrupt leaders in 2023, expressing doubt about the judiciary’s ability to uphold democracy and urging citizens to vote for the right president. The importance of a decisive leader to end the current suffering and prevent the continuation of corrupt leadership beyond 2027 was emphasized. Okonkwo’s decision to explore a new political path following the 2023 elections, driven by disappointment in the Labour Party, was also mentioned.
Okonkwo expressed his belief in Peter Obi’s potential to establish a strong, integrity-driven party capable of overthrowing corrupt leaders, but emphasized the need for clear directives from Obi in order to achieve this goal. He also mentioned his disappointment in Obi’s public statements and actions, which seemed to lack a focus on building a solid party base.
Additionally, Okonkwo highlighted the confusion and lack of leadership within the Labour Party, attributing it to Peter Obi’s unclear stance on important issues.
I am in full support of the Labour Unions and other stakeholders who are now compelled to fight for the soul of LP without the support of PO. However, I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win against these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate. I don’t intend to embark on such a campaign as we did in 2023, projecting a person who cannot sustain the victory even if he wins.Okonkwo urged the government to handle protests with wisdom and moderation, pointing out that effective governance is the key to preventing protests, as poor governance inevitably leads to them.
Culled: https://punchng.com/
