Former spokesman for the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to publicly explain how he was allegedly betrayed following his exit from the party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Okonkwo strongly denied accusations of disloyalty, maintaining that he was fully committed to Obi throughout the campaign period.
“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% loyal,” Okonkwo said.
Okonkwo, a well-known Nollywood actor and legal practitioner, officially parted ways with Peter Obi and the Labour Party in July 2024. He cited internal crises within the party and Obi’s failure to address them as the reason for his departure.
“When I left, I told the whole world…I said from now onward, I am not going to speak for this person again,” he added.
He dismissed insinuations that he had betrayed Obi or sought favours from other political camps. “They don’t understand what betrayal means. Anybody who is writing or saying anything about me is a reflection of who that person is; not a reflection of who I am.”
Okonkwo also cleared the air about any financial or material benefits during his time with the campaign. He denied receiving money or property from Obi during the election.
He responded to a comment made by Obi in which the former governor referenced the biblical betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples, interpreting it as Obi casting himself in the role of Jesus.
“The legal practitioner said he would allow Obi to be entitled to his opinion, adding that no one fights for God. ‘How can you betray somebody you are not working for?’ Okonkwo asked.”
The political drama between both former allies highlights growing tensions in the Labour Party following the 2023 general election.
