Veteran Nollywood actor and former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi of betrayal amidst ongoing internal party conflicts.
In a viral interview with Symfoni, which began trending on Saturday, Okonkwo — who officially left the Labour Party in February 2025 — claimed that Obi disregarded his advice by aligning with the embattled Julius Abure-led faction of the party.
According to Okonkwo, Obi was misled by certain Labour Party officials who falsely assured him that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognised Abure’s faction. Despite Okonkwo’s warnings, Obi went ahead to publicly endorse the group.
“Any politician who knows what he’s doing cannot be betrayed. If anyone was betrayed, it was me — and I say that emphatically,” Okonkwo said.
He further explained that he had advised Obi against associating with the Abure-led group, citing their undemocratic practices and warning that doing so could damage Obi’s political credibility.
“I told him, ‘Sir, you have made public statements about integrity. Even if INEC recognises them, it doesn’t justify going back to them. They are not democratic, and if you align with them, they will destroy your political career,’” Okonkwo recounted.
He also revealed that he informed members of Obi’s inner circle about his concerns, stating his refusal to support Obi if he rejoined the Abure faction.
“Within 72 hours of our conversation, Obi went to Abure’s office and publicly endorsed them. One of their leaders even sent me the video to mock me — the very people I was defending him from,” he added.
Okonkwo criticized Obi for attempting to appear neutral only after INEC publicly distanced itself from Abure’s leadership, insisting that neutrality was not an option given the circumstances.
The Labour Party has been plagued by a prolonged leadership tussle, with rival factions battling for control. The Abure-led group has been accused of financial misconduct and undemocratic actions, drawing criticism for undermining the party’s reform-driven image.
A longtime supporter of Peter Obi’s political ideals, Okonkwo said the internal inconsistencies and ethical concerns were key reasons behind his resignation from the party.
Credit: YouTube | Symfoni
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