Kenneth Okonkwo denies leaving Labour Party, affirms continued membership

Nollywood actor and lawyer cum  politician, Kenneth Okonkwo has denied reports that he has left the Labour Party.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Okonkwo affirmed his continued membership in the party.

“First of all, let me say I am embarrassed by your comment. I am just hearing it from your media station that I dumped the Labour Party. And I put up the statement that I made so that I wouldn’t be misconstrued. So, where did you get that from? It’s not certainly from the statement that I made. I am still a full-fledged member of the Labour Party,” he stated.

When asked if he remains a member of the Labour Party, he replied affirmatively, “Yes, absolutely.”

Okonkwo continued, “There’s no crisis in the Labour Party as it relates to me. There’s crisis in the Labour Party as relates to the NWC, which failed to organise an all-inclusive convention. And I thought that the leader ought to have taken a decisive decision to ensure, having seen that the convention did not hold against his instruction, that there’s an organised and all-inclusive convention according to court judgement and past agreement.”

Previously, Okonkwo, a chieftain of the Labour Party, had announced his decision to cut ties with Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate, and the party due to concerns over Obi’s leadership style and his ability to address national issues. He questioned Obi’s capability to secure electoral victories and confront the country’s ‘kakistocrats’ and ‘kleptocrats’ head-on.

The veteran actor emphasized his need for a more decisive, bold, and brave leader with integrity and team spirit to achieve his vision for Nigeria.