Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain and Nollywood veteran Kenneth Okonkwo has called on President Bola Tinubu, Peter Obi, and Atiku Abubakar to step aside and allow fresh leadership to emerge in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Okonkwo, who was a key spokesperson for Peter Obi’s presidential campaign in 2023, made the statement during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television. He asserted that Nigeria needs new faces in its political landscape and criticized political leaders for treating electoral mandates with levity.
“I said it, and I maintain it. In Nigeria, people will not give you their mandate and you treat it with levity. You must do everything decisively to secure it. Unfortunately, nature has bestowed on us the duty that in Nigeria, you will not only win an election, but you have to fight for your mandate,” Okonkwo stated.
Kenneth Okonkwo Ditches Labour Party, Rejects APC Return
The actor-turned-politician has also resigned from the Labour Party, citing internal conflicts and lack of principled leadership as reasons for his exit. His resignation will take effect from February 25, 2025.
“What happened in 2023 should remain in 2023. I worked with Obi, but that is in the past. Labour Party has serious internal issues, and I resigned on principle,” he added.
Okonkwo, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ruled out returning to the ruling party, accusing it of failing to address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. However, he left the door open for a potential return if APC changes course.
“Let me tell you, I will be the first person to admit if the APC changes today and is doing well for Nigeria,” he said.
