Peter Obi Betrayed Me, Says Kenneth Okonkwo: Inside the Rift Shaking Labour Party

Veteran actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has publicly accused the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of betrayal. The statement, which has since gone viral, was made during an exclusive television interview on Thursday evening.

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent Labour Party spokesperson and one of Obi’s most ardent supporters during the 2023 general elections, expressed deep disappointment over what he described as Obi’s abandonment of core allies and deviation from democratic principles. According to Okonkwo, Peter Obi’s recent political maneuvers have raised questions about his commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and genuine reform.

“Peter Obi betrayed me, and by extension, he betrayed the ideals we stood for. We believed we were building a movement based on integrity, inclusiveness, and justice, but recent events have shown otherwise,” Okonkwo declared during the interview.

Sources close to the development suggest that the rift may stem from Obi’s alleged sidelining of key party figures in critical decision-making processes, particularly concerning internal restructuring and preparations for the 2027 elections. Okonkwo, known for his articulate defense of the party’s ideals, hinted that Obi’s leadership style has become increasingly autocratic and dismissive of grassroots consultation.

The actor-turned-politician also raised alarm over what he termed the “hijacking” of the Labour Party by powerful interests seeking to reshape its progressive agenda. He criticized Obi for allegedly aligning with these interests, a move that contradicts the party’s original promise to stand as an alternative to the establishment.

“We had a chance to redefine Nigerian politics, but it seems we are now walking down the same path we once condemned,” Okonkwo lamented.

Despite the heated accusations, Peter Obi has yet to issue an official response. However, a source from his media team, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the claims as “regrettable and inaccurate,” suggesting that Okonkwo may be venting due to his exclusion from recent strategic meetings.

Political analysts believe the fallout between Obi and Okonkwo may have broader implications for the Labour Party’s unity ahead of upcoming elections. The party, which gained significant momentum in 2023 by galvanizing young voters and disenchanted citizens, now faces the challenge of maintaining cohesion amid rising internal dissent.

Many observers are calling for urgent reconciliation efforts within the party to prevent a full-blown crisis. While Okonkwo has not explicitly announced any plans to leave the Labour Party, his tone suggests a possible reevaluation of his political alignment.

As Nigerians await Peter Obi’s official reaction, this development raises new questions about the future of the Labour Party and the sustainability of its reformist vision in the face of internal strife.