“I Was Betrayed”: Kenneth Okonkwo Blasts Peter Obi, Warns Of Political Suicide
In a dramatic turn of events, veteran actor and former Labour Party (LP) spokesperson Kenneth Okonkwo has launched a stinging rebuke against Peter Obi, accusing the 2023 presidential candidate of betrayal, poor leadership, and political short-sightedness.
In an explosive interview with Symfoni TV, Okonkwo did not hold back. What once looked like a promising alliance between a respected entertainer-turned-politician and a celebrated reformist presidential hopeful has now descended into acrimony—exposing deeper fractures within Nigeria’s most popular third force party.
The Accusation: “Peter Obi Betrayed Me”
Okonkwo claimed that Obi’s decision to back the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party—an arm he alleges has questionable ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—is at the root of the party’s current crisis.
“Peter Obi refused to manage the party,” Okonkwo declared. “He aligned with the same people who are allegedly hobnobbing with the APC.”
He lamented Obi’s unwillingness to heed advice from loyalists who urged him to distance himself from Abure’s controversial leadership, describing the move as a betrayal not only of individuals like himself, but of the very ideals the “Obidient Movement” once stood for.
From Organic Movement to Disarray
During the 2023 elections, Peter Obi captured the hearts of millions of disillusioned Nigerians—particularly the youth—running on a wave of hope, transparency, and grassroots momentum. The Labour Party, once a political lightweight, suddenly became a serious contender. Okonkwo played a crucial role as spokesperson, tirelessly advocating for Obi and galvanizing public support.
But according to Okonkwo, that energy and unity have all but dissipated.
“Instead of consolidating for 2027, Obi has failed to even begin with his own party,” he said.
“We believe we won [in 2023]. But the mismanagement that followed has turned the Labour Party into a ‘secret society led by clowns.’”
His frustration is clear: what was once a chance to build a lasting political movement has, in his view, been squandered through poor leadership and lack of internal discipline.
More Than Politics – A Personal Betrayal
This isn’t just about strategy. It’s personal.
Okonkwo rejected the narrative that his exit from the party in July 2024 was an act of disloyalty. Instead, he painted himself as the wronged party.
“Any politician who knows what he is doing cannot be betrayed by anybody. If there is any betrayal, I can say emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me.”
He accused Obi of being a “politician of convenience,” not conviction—suggesting that the former governor’s perceived lack of decisiveness and team-building ability makes him unfit for long-term leadership.
Can the Labour Party Survive This?
Okonkwo’s outburst isn’t just noise—it underscores a critical identity crisis facing the Labour Party. Since its meteoric rise in 2023, the party has struggled with internal cohesion, leadership legitimacy, and a clear post-election roadmap.
Peter Obi’s continued alignment with controversial party figures, according to critics like Okonkwo, may cost him the loyalty of those who powered his rise—especially if the accusations of political compromise with the APC gain traction.
Conclusion: A Fractured Movement at a Crossroads
The cracks in Nigeria’s “third force” are widening, and Kenneth Okonkwo’s revelations shine a harsh spotlight on the Labour Party’s internal dysfunction. Whether his claims are rooted in personal bitterness or valid political concern, they raise serious questions about Peter Obi’s strategy and future as a national leader.
The 2027 elections are not far off, and time is running out to unite the fragmented forces that once made Obi a symbol of hope. If he can’t rally his base—and silence the growing chorus of disillusioned allies—then Kenneth Okonkwo’s warning may ring true: Peter Obi could be walking toward political suicide.
