Kenneth Okonkwo Rejects LP Leadership Under Julius Abure

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his discontent with the leadership of Julius Abure, stating that he is no longer a member of the party under Abure’s chairmanship. Okonkwo, who is a former spokesman for the LP’s presidential campaign council, made this declaration during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television program.

Okonkwo clarified that while he had previously announced his departure from the party in July 2024, he still considers himself a member of LP, but under the condition that Julius Abure is not the National Chairman. He said, “As it is now, I have already left if Abure is the Chairman.” Okonkwo’s remarks reflected his ongoing opposition to Abure’s leadership, which has caused significant division within the party.

In 2024, Okonkwo had parted ways with former presidential candidate Peter Obi, which further compounded his separation from the LP’s current leadership. However, Okonkwo made it clear that his resignation was not a permanent departure from the party, but rather a protest against Abure’s continued leadership. “I am a member of the Labour Party, but not under Julius Abure,” he added. He emphasized that if Abure somehow managed to retain the chairmanship, he would automatically sever ties with the party.

The LP has been experiencing an ongoing internal crisis with two factions battling for control. Abure, as the national chairman, has faced challenges to his authority, especially after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invalidated his leadership in 2024. This led to the appointment of a Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Esther Nenadi Usman. The committee claimed the chairmanship position after Abure’s leadership was questioned following alleged violations of the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

Despite the turbulence within the party, a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal in Abuja reaffirmed Abure’s leadership. On January 17, 2025, the court ruled that its earlier decision, which recognized Abure as the legitimate national chairman, remained valid and had not been overturned.

Okonkwo’s position highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Labour Party, with both Abure’s faction and Usman’s caretaker committee continuing to lay claim to the party’s leadership. The situation remains unresolved as the party navigates its internal conflicts and works to regain its footing ahead of future elections.