By JACOB OKPANACHI
The Labour Party (LP) and its presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi have disagreed on the departure of Kenneth Okonkwo from the party.
The former governor took exception to the negative statements against the actor and former spokesperson to LP presidential campaign organisation who announced his exit from the party on Saturday.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Kenneth Okonkwo said he decided to leave the LP because the party failed to inspire the brand of leadership that can solve Nigeria’s challenges. He also accused Obi of failing to solve the party’s leadership crisis after the 2023 general election which he lost to Bola Tinubu.
In its reaction to the development, the LP referred to Okonkwo as a mole, adding that it was aware that there were a few other persons planted as moles and are currently instigating crisis within the party.
Okonkwo
The LP’s national spokesperson, Obiora Ifoh, who issued a statement on the issue on Sunday, said Mr Okonkwo’s exit from the party did not come as a surprise. He accused him of “smuggling himself into the presidential campaign” of the party, describing him as “a political mole.”
“Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise,” he said.
In his own reaction to the development, Mr. Peter Obi, disagreed with the party saying the reference to Okonkwo as a mole was wrong.
He described Kenneth Okonkwo as his trusted ally who has decided to chart a new political course, and cautioned LP against referring to Okonkwo as a mole who worked for the opposition party.
He said “having differing views does not make someone an enemy”, adding that “it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks”.
“I want to therefore categorically and emphatically declare that Barrister Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks.
“Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.”
It will be recalled that a former Director-General of the party’s 2023 presidential campaign organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, recently resigned. Only last week, a former deputy director general of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned from the party. None of them made the type of disquieting remark on how the party is being run or the attitude of the presidential candidate to the raging crisis.
