"I Brought Obi Into the Spotlight": Kenneth Okonkwo Claims Credit for Peter Obi’s Rise, Says He Gave Him Voice [VIDEO]

 

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent actor-turned-politician and former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, has stirred up strong reactions with a recent declaration that he was instrumental in making Peter Obi politically relevant on the national stage.

Speaking during an interview session that has since gone viral, Okonkwo insisted that his early efforts within the Labour Party structure, along with his established public persona, played a critical role in boosting Obi’s visibility and influence during the last election cycle.

According to Okonkwo, when Peter Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Labour Party just months before the 2023 general election, the party lacked widespread national traction. Okonkwo, who had already aligned himself with the Labour Party after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), argues that his presence helped provide the initial public attention and structural support needed for Obi’s campaign to gather momentum.

“I gave Peter Obi political relevance. Before he came into the Labour Party, we were already working to build something real. I helped give him the platform he needed, and people listened to me. That’s why many of them started listening to him,” he said confidently during the broadcast.

Okonkwo did not stop at praising his own role. He also criticized internal forces within the Labour Party, accusing some members of sabotaging the movement after the elections. He maintained that his departure from the party's spokesperson role came as a result of ideological conflicts and what he described as dishonesty within the leadership. Despite his criticisms, he insisted that he remains committed to the core ideals that attracted him to the Obi-led movement in the first place.

Observers believe Okonkwo’s remarks are not just a matter of personal pride but could signal a deeper schism within the Labour Party. Since the conclusion of the 2023 election, the party has faced internal battles, with some accusing its leadership of drifting from its original purpose of offering Nigerians a third-force alternative.

Reactions to Okonkwo’s comments have been swift and mixed. Supporters of Peter Obi have taken to social media to challenge his claim, arguing that Obi’s political relevance long predates his association with the Labour Party. They point to Obi’s tenure as Governor of Anambra State and his 2019 vice-presidential candidacy alongside Atiku Abubakar as evidence of his already solid standing.

Political analysts, however, say Okonkwo’s assertion cannot be completely dismissed. As a well-known public figure with decades of acting experience and a growing reputation in political commentary, Kenneth Okonkwo attracted significant attention when he switched to the Labour Party. His early promotion of Obi’s candidacy on television and online platforms played a role in shaping public discourse, particularly among undecided voters and younger demographics.

One analyst, Uche Okezie, noted that while Okonkwo’s statement may seem exaggerated to some, his contributions were significant during the campaign buildup. “It’s important to separate ego from fact. Kenneth Okonkwo was indeed vocal and effective in articulating the Labour Party’s message. Whether that translates into making Obi politically relevant is up for debate, but he was certainly a catalyst,” Okezie said.

As Nigeria prepares for another political season, such declarations could either deepen divisions or spark introspection within parties. For the Labour Party, maintaining unity while addressing internal grievances may prove essential if it hopes to remain a viable political force.

Meanwhile, Okonkwo has not expressed regret for his outspokenness. Instead, he reaffirmed his belief that truth-telling is necessary in a democracy, even if it unsettles some allies. “I speak because I want a better Nigeria. I am not here to please anyone. If telling the truth makes people uncomfortable, then so be it,” he concluded.

His words continue to generate headlines and heated discussions, potentially reshaping how the public views not just Peter Obi's political journey but also the behind-the-scenes efforts that propelled him into the national spotlight. Whether this narrative shift leads to reconciliation or further polarization within the Labour Party remains to be seen.

Pride goes before a fall, take it or leave it. Peter Obi gave Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo political relevance; it’s unfortunate he’s using that relevance against Peter Obi. pic.twitter.com/Kbt63FvM51

— Peter Obi Grassroots Mobilization. (@PO_GrassRootM) July 27, 2025