Peter Obi political suicide claim deepens Labour Party rift

Kenneth Okonkwo says Peter Obi is not a victim but is committing political suicide, accusing him of betrayal and poor leadership in Labour Party

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]eter Obi political suicide is the phrase that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political scene, after Kenneth Okonkwo, a legal practitioner and former spokesperson for the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, accused the former presidential candidate of engineering his own downfall.

Also read: Peter Obi speaks in native language when he wants to lie – Omokri

In a no-holds-barred interview with Symfoni TV, Okonkwo dismissed claims that Obi is a victim of betrayal, declaring that the ex-governor’s political misfortunes are self-inflicted.

Speaking candidly, Okonkwo stated that “Nobody is murdering Obi’s political career. Obi is committing political suicide.”

He argued that Obi’s ongoing challenges stem not from sabotage but from a lack of political foresight and strategic missteps.

The criticism comes as the Labour Party faces internal tensions and uncertain prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Okonkwo, Obi’s miscalculations include a failure to act as a cohesive team player, disregard for party discipline, and an apparent detachment from the realities of coalition politics.

“If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically, that Peter Obi betrayed me,” he said, hinting at personal and professional disillusionment.

He accused Obi of failing to support Labour Party candidates during the last election cycle, specifically citing an instance in Cross River State where Obi endorsed a gubernatorial candidate from another party.

Okonkwo contended that such actions contradicted efforts to promote internal loyalty and discipline.

“I pleaded with every member of Labour Party that nobody should campaign or endorse any candidate who is not a member of Labour Party,” he said, suggesting that Obi chose a different path.

More fundamentally, Okonkwo believes Obi’s decision to align with the Labour Party has irreversibly altered his political destiny.

He stressed that the dynamics of coalition politics mean a candidate can no longer operate with full autonomy.

“Anytime you’re stepping out into a coalition, the destiny of your political future is no longer in your hands,” he warned.

In his view, the Labour Party is not currently strong enough to deliver a successful presidential campaign without wider alliances.

In a further accusation, Okonkwo alleged that Obi has been complicit in questionable primary election processes within the party.

“In all the primaries that they have organised, none was organised without Obi’s approval,” he said, referencing party activities in Edo, Ondo, and Anambra States.

These claims raise questions about Obi’s role in internal Labour Party politics, despite his public detachment from some of its controversies.

Okonkwo also rejected suggestions that Obi’s present difficulties are the result of pressure or manipulation by external forces.