No Regrets, No Betrayal: Kenneth Okonkwo Opens Up on Parting Ways with Peter Obi and Labour Party

Kenneth Okonkwo, the Nollywood actor-turned-politician and former spokesman for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, has opened up about his split from the party and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Addressing recent allegations and assumptions surrounding his departure, Okonkwo firmly denied betraying Obi or switching political allegiance during or after the election.

While speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo made a deliberate effort to clear the air regarding his exit from the Labour Party and his loyalty during the intense political season. He stressed that he remained completely faithful to Obi and never entertained discussions with any other political parties or rival candidates throughout his time as a campaign spokesman.

His words were clear and deliberate. “When I worked for him, I never consulted any politician. I am making a public statement. I never talked to any political party. I was 100 percent loyal,” Okonkwo declared during the televised interview.

Far from ambiguity, Okonkwo maintained that his disengagement from the Obi campaign and the Labour Party was transparent and publicly declared. He noted that after announcing his exit, he immediately distanced himself from speaking on behalf of Obi or participating in further political activities related to the former governor.

The actor, who transitioned into politics with significant visibility and passion for change, explained that critics accusing him of betrayal have failed to grasp the true meaning of the word. He viewed such accusations as projections of the individuals making them, rather than an honest reflection of his character or political behavior.

“Anybody who is writing or saying anything about me is a reflection of who that person is; not a reflection of who I am,” he asserted confidently.

His departure from the Labour Party in July 2024 sent ripples through Nigeria’s political space. Known as one of the most vocal supporters of Obi during the 2023 election cycle, Okonkwo was often seen passionately defending the party’s position across national media platforms. Yet his relationship with the party gradually soured, primarily due to what he described as troubling internal conflicts and a lack of effective leadership in addressing those challenges.

He did not mince words when pointing to Obi’s failure to manage the intra-party disputes that were threatening to weaken the party from within. According to him, that inaction was enough to reconsider his association with the movement. He made it clear that his departure was driven by principle and personal values, not external pressure or incentives.

“I told the whole world I was done. From that point on, I stopped speaking for him,” Okonkwo reiterated.

Dispelling rumors that he may have benefitted materially from his time supporting Obi, the legal practitioner insisted he received neither money nor property from the presidential hopeful. His decision to walk away, he emphasized, was rooted in ideals and not personal gain.

On the question of a biblical analogy made by Obi, in which the politician referenced Jesus and a betrayer among his disciples, Okonkwo offered a pointed response. He questioned the logic of labeling someone a betrayer when no working relationship existed at the time of the alleged disloyalty.

“How can you betray somebody you are not working for?” he asked rhetorically, challenging the narrative being spun by some quarters.

Taking a broader perspective, Okonkwo remarked that Obi has a right to express his views, just as he reserves the right to respond and clarify his position. He emphasized that he would not engage in personal battles or religious insinuations, stating, “No one fights for God.”

His exit from the Labour Party marked a critical moment in Nigeria’s evolving political discourse, as more supporters and observers grapple with issues of accountability, internal democracy, and ideological clarity within newer political movements.

Okonkwo’s words suggest that his political journey is far from over. However, it is clear he is committed to walking that path guided by his convictions, and not blind loyalty. The former campaign spokesman’s recent public statements serve not only as a rebuttal to claims of betrayal but also as a broader commentary on the complexities of loyalty, expectation, and leadership within Nigerian politics.