A spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kenneth Okonkwo, has openly criticised the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for his approach to handling party matters.
Okonkwo, who joined the LP in 2022, expressed his disappointment in Obi’s failure to resolve the internal crises within the party. Reflecting on the period following the 2023 elections, Okonkwo noted that many Nigerians, himself included, had “high hopes” for Obi. However, he now feels that Obi did not do enough to strengthen the party or address its leadership issues.
“Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party,” Okonkwo said in a letter posted on X. “Unfortunately, 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.”
Okonkwo further stated his inability to represent a leader whose stance on significant issues remains unclear. He criticized Obi for not supporting the Labour Unions, which founded the Labour Party to advocate for workers’ welfare. According to Okonkwo, some union members now view Obi as part of the party’s problem.
“The Labour Unions now have the unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from PO would have brought the solution. I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever,” he added.
The full statement by Okonkwo highlights his frustrations and the internal challenges faced by the Labour Party under Obi’s leadership.
