Kenneth Okonkwo, the former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential campaign in the 2023 election, has announced his resignation from the party. The well-known Nollywood actor, who was once a prominent figure in the party, cited internal and leadership crises within LP as the primary reasons for his decision to step down.
In a statement addressing his resignation, Okonkwo explained that his initial entry into politics was driven by a desire to contribute to good governance. However, he revealed that he could no longer pursue this goal within the current structure of the Labour Party. “My entrance into politics is for good governance, and I will continue to work for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country of incorruptible men,” he said. “This aim can no longer be realised within Labour Party as presently constituted.”
Okonkwo further criticized the current state of the party, describing it as non-functional. He acknowledged the support of Nigerians who had backed the Labour Party during the 2023 election but said that he could no longer remain part of an organization he felt was not fulfilling its purpose. “Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership of the party to all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most and to pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people in all I will decide to do in my political future,” he stated.
The actor also indicated that he remains open to exploring new political opportunities and would be free to collaborate with like-minded individuals after the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election on February 25, 2025. “This resignation takes effect from the 25th of February, 2025, which marks the second anniversary of the presidential election of 2023, after which I will be at liberty to join other well-meaning, and like-minded Nigerians in charting a great future of good governance for this great country blessed by God,” he concluded.
Okonkwo had previously defected to the Labour Party on August 24, 2022, a month after resigning from the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to concerns over the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket. At the time, he expressed his intention to join LP in pursuit of promoting good governance and a new Nigeria.
As his resignation marks a significant shift in his political journey, many will be watching closely to see how Okonkwo’s future in politics unfolds and whether he aligns with other political movements committed to reforming Nigeria’s governance structure.
