Labour Party (LP) stalwart and former presidential campaign spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared that he will not remain in the party if Julius Abure continues as its national chairman.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo clarified his stance on the party’s leadership crisis, emphasizing that while he remains a member of the LP, he does not recognize Abure’s chairmanship.
“As it stands, I have already left if Abure is the chairman,” Okonkwo asserted during the interview.
The Nollywood actor-turned-politician had previously announced his departure from the LP in July 2024. However, during the television appearance, he clarified that he has not formally left the party but strongly opposes Abure’s leadership.
“I am a member of the Labour Party, but not under Julius Abure. If Abure manages to wangle himself into the position of national chairman, my exit is automatic,” he declared.
Labour Party Leadership Crisis Deepens
The LP has been embroiled in an intense leadership tussle, with rival factions claiming control. The party’s caretaker committee, led by Esther Nenadi Usman, has been at odds with Abure over the party’s leadership.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) previously ruled that Abure’s election as chairman was invalid, citing constitutional and Electoral Act violations during the party’s national convention.
Despite this, a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Abuja reaffirmed Abure as the LP’s legitimate national chairman. On January 17, Justice Hamma Barka upheld the court’s earlier decision from November 2024, confirming Abure’s leadership and stating that no superior court had overturned the ruling.
The judgment dismissed appeals filed by both Nenadi Usman’s faction and INEC, solidifying Abure’s position at the helm of the party.
Uncertain Future for Okonkwo in LP
Okonkwo’s statements reflect the growing discontent among some Labour Party members regarding Abure’s leadership. His remarks suggest that unless there is a shift in the party’s leadership, he may formally cut ties with the LP.
As the crisis within the Labour Party continues, the political landscape within the opposition party remains uncertain, with factional disputes threatening its stability ahead of future elections.
