Betrayal Allegations Rock Nigerian Politics: Kenneth Okonkwo Accuses Peter Obi
In a shocking turn of events, veteran actor and former Labour Party spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, has publicly accused former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of betrayal. This stunning allegation has sent waves through Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the deep-seated internal disputes within the Labour Party. Okonkwo, who officially exited the party in February 2025, made these claims in a widely-circulated interview with Symfoni.
At the heart of the controversy is Obi’s decision to support the embattled Julius Abure-led faction of the party, despite Okonkwo’s advice to the contrary. According to Okonkwo, Obi was misled by party executives who falsely claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognized their faction. Okonkwo’s account suggests that Obi’s actions were a significant departure from his publicly-stated commitment to integrity, and that he was warned about the potential consequences of aligning with a faction deemed undemocratic.
In his own words, Okonkwo stated, "Any politician that knows what he’s doing cannot be betrayed by another. If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me." He further explained that he had cautioned Obi, saying, "Sir, you have made a public statement on integrity and even if INEC has accepted them, that is not a criterion for you to go back and start dealing with them because they have shown that they are not democratic. If you go back to them, they will destroy your political career and everything you have said about integrity will die."
This dramatic falling out between two significant figures in Nigerian politics underscores the challenges facing the Labour Party as it navigates internal power struggles and attempts to maintain a unified front. The allegations of betrayal and deceit have sparked intense debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability within the party. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the future of the Labour Party and the political careers of those involved hang in the balance. The question on everyone’s mind is, what’s next for Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo, and how will their actions impact the trajectory of Nigerian politics?
