By Our Reporter
Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo has officially resigned from the Labour Party, effective February 25, 2025.
In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Okonkwo expressed his frustration with the current state of the party, describing it as “non-existent” in its current form.
He explained, “According to the Labour Party Constitution, the tenure of the ward, local government, and state executives is three years (see Article 15(2)(3)(4) of the Constitution). However, no congresses have been held at these levels within the constitutionally mandated period, meaning these executives’ tenures have effectively expired.”
Okonkwo further pointed out that the party’s leadership, under former National Chairman Julius Abure, had failed to conduct a national convention recognized by law. He cited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and court rulings confirming that the leadership dispute within a political party falls under its internal affairs and is outside judicial jurisdiction.
He lauded the Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, which had been legally established by the Labour Party’s National Executive Council (NEC), as the last hope for the party’s survival. However, he lamented that political interference and legal challenges from Abure and his allies had crippled the Committee’s efforts.
The actor, who is also a lawyer, emphasized that if Abure had been genuinely committed to supporting a southern candidate in the upcoming 2027 presidential race, he would have stepped down as national chairman to allow the north to take the lead.
“Given the party’s current state of disarray, I am left with no choice but to resign my membership,” Okonkwo stated. “I remain grateful to all Nigerians who supported us, and I pledge my continued commitment to the Nigerian people as I chart my political path forward.”
He added, “This resignation will take effect on February 25, 2025, the second anniversary of the 2023 presidential election. After this date, I will be open to joining other like-minded Nigerians in advancing a future of good governance for our great nation.”