Veteran Nollywood actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly denied claims that he betrayed Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the 2023 general elections.
The former spokesman of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council clarified that his departure from the party had nothing to do with disloyalty to Obi or political betrayal.
Okonkwo, who was a prominent voice for the Obi-Datti campaign, made this clarification during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme aired by Channels Television. He insisted that during his time with the Labour Party, he gave his full and unwavering support to Peter Obi and never engaged or held talks with rival political parties.
“When I worked for him, I never consulted any politician,” Okonkwo said. “I am making a public declaration I never spoke to any political party. I was 100% loyal.”
In July 2024, Okonkwo announced his resignation from the Labour Party, citing unresolved internal disputes within the party and Peter Obi’s reluctance to address them. His exit drew criticism from some quarters, with accusations that he had turned against his former principal. However, Okonkwo has now dismissed such claims, asserting that he never undermined the campaign or sought favours from opposition parties.
He also emphasized that he neither received financial compensation nor any property from Peter Obi during the electioneering period.
“They talk about betrayal, but how do you betray someone you’re no longer working with?” he asked. “When I left, I publicly declared I was no longer speaking for him. That’s not betrayal that’s transparency.”
Responding to subtle insinuations reportedly made by Obi including one referencing biblical betrayal Okonkwo said such remarks were unfortunate and misrepresent the facts. Obi had previously made a veiled comment alluding to one of Jesus' disciples betraying him, a statement many interpreted as directed at Okonkwo.
“In our religion, we don’t fight for God,” Okonkwo stated. “If he’s suggesting he’s Jesus in that analogy, then let him explain who the disciple was. But it’s not me.”
Now a member of a broader political coalition gearing up to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, Okonkwo made it clear that his political realignment is rooted in principle, not personal ambition or opportunism.
“Anyone accusing me of betrayal is merely projecting their own character, not mine. I stand by my record and my integrity.”
Okonkwo’s remarks appear aimed at putting to rest ongoing narratives about his exit from the Labour Party, reaffirming his commitment to a progressive and transparent political system ahead of the next election cycle.
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