In a significant political move, actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has announced his resignation from the Labour Party, effective February 25, 2025.
Okonkwo expressed his decision in a detailed statement on X, emphasizing his belief that the party, as it currently stands, is “non-existent.” He cited a lack of adherence to the Labour Party’s constitutional requirements for leadership tenure, noted in Articles 15(2)(3)(4) of the party’s constitution. According to him, the tenure of the ward, local government, and state party executives has effectively expired due to the failure to hold congresses within the allowed timeframe.
He raised concerns over the leadership instability within the party, highlighting that the former National Chairman, Julius Abure, and his National Working Committee did not conduct a legally recognized national convention. This situation has led to a void in effective leadership at the national level, a concern echoed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts, which maintain that such disputes are internal matters.
Okonkwo commended the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, which was formed by the National Executive Council (NEC) to organize necessary congresses and a convention. However, he criticized Abure and his associates for launching legal challenges that have hindered the committee’s functionality.
Furthermore, Okonkwo asserted that if Abure truly aimed for a southern candidate to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, he should relinquish the position of national chairman to a northern representative.
In his resignation statement, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian people as he contemplates his political future. He stated, “This resignation takes effect from the 25th of February, 2025, marking the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election, after which I will be free to collaborate with like-minded Nigerians to promote good governance in our na
