Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has said that the party’s erstwhile spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, remains an ally despite expressing concerns about his leadership style.
In a recent critique, Okonkwo, who became a member of the LP in 2022, expressed dissatisfaction with Obi’s handling of party matters. He accused Obi of neglecting the internal turmoil within the party and failing to effectively address its leadership crisis.
“Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself,” Okonkwo posted on X.
However, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, the ex-governor emphasised that Okonkwo’s contrasting viewpoint does not position him as an adversary but rather as a formidable voice and a friend.
“Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.” Obi stated.
Obi urged all patriotic Nigerians to remain resilient and focused even in the face of disagreement and variance and urged his supporters not to disparage Okonkwo because of his remarks.