Close associates of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have responded strongly to recent accusations of betrayal made by veteran actor and former Obi campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo.
In a widely circulated podcast interview released on Saturday, Okonkwo alleged that Obi turned his back on him after the 2023 general elections and chose to align himself with the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party, despite alleged warnings about the group’s credibility and internal party issues.
“No savvy politician can be betrayed unless he allows it. If anyone was betrayed, it was me. Peter Obi betrayed me,” Okonkwo declared during the podcast.
He further claimed that he had cautioned Obi about the faction’s questionable leadership and deceptive tactics concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition. According to Okonkwo, Obi disregarded the warnings and proceeded to openly support the faction merely 72 hours after their discussion.
“They told Obi that INEC had accepted them. Even if it were true, I advised him not to go back to a group lacking democratic values,” Okonkwo said. He added that some members of the faction later ridiculed him by showing him a video clip of Obi’s public endorsement.
Obi’s Supporters Respond: “He’s Not the Betrayer”
In swift response, Nana Sani Kazaure, a former spokesperson for the Obi-Datti Campaign Organisation, took to 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) to dismiss Okonkwo’s remarks as a distortion of the truth and a mischaracterisation of Obi’s principled stance.
“Since when did refusing to spill the blood of fellow Nigerians become an act of betrayal?” Kazaure asked rhetorically, drawing a comparison to former President Goodluck Jonathan, who once said the blood of Nigerians was not worth his political ambition.
Kazaure also questioned Okonkwo’s motivations and loyalty, suggesting that his new political direction has left many of Obi’s supporters puzzled.
“Given his association with Peter Obi over the past few years, who really betrayed whom?” she queried.
“Mr. Okonkwo, your constant rants are clearly driven by your new political base. In simple terms face your lane and let us be.”
“Obi Is Unstoppable” – Obidients and Other Allies React
Reactions from the wider Obi movement were equally dismissive of Okonkwo’s claims. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement Worldwide, described the accusations as a distraction aimed at derailing Obi’s political momentum.
“Obi is coming. No distractions, no manipulations, no misinformation will stop the movement. A new Nigeria is still possible,” Tanko declared on social media.
Similarly, Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and a vocal supporter of Obi, suggested that Okonkwo’s public outburst may be a part of a deeper political script.
“There is more to these calculated verbal assaults than meets the eye. They seem to be coordinated and politically motivated,” Ameh stated.
Tensions Reflect Deeper Labour Party Divisions
The spat between Okonkwo and Obi’s loyalists highlights the ongoing power struggle and factional tensions within the Labour Party. The party has been grappling with leadership disputes, particularly between the Abure-led faction and other blocs seeking greater internal reforms and transparency.
Though Obi has yet to issue a public response to Okonkwo’s allegations, many observers believe his silence may be strategic an effort to remain focused on his long-term political vision rather than be distracted by internal skirmishes.
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