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| Okonkwo accuses Obi of betrayal in LP. |
These claims have added drama to the party’s year-long infighting over control of its leadership. We break down the facts step by step: the timeline of events, the context of Okonkwo and Obi’s partnership, the details of the LP conflict (especially surrounding National Chairman Julius Abure), what Obi or the party have said (so far), and the political fallout. All information is drawn from recent news reports and official statements.
Okonkwo’s Resignation from the Labour Party
On February 11, 2025, Punch Newspaper reported that Kenneth Okonkwo had officially resigned his membership in the Labour Party. Okonkwo said he could no longer stay in what he described as “a party [that] is non-existent as presently constituted”. He stated that his resignation would take effect on 25 February 2025 – exactly two years after the 2023 election. In his resignation announcement, Okonkwo criticized the party’s current leadership. He specifically named LP National Chairman Julius Abure, accusing him of putting personal interests above the party’s well-being. Okonkwo warned that the party’s internal crisis was unsolvable under the current leaders, and that he would seek a new home for his political efforts after February 25.
For example, Punch quoted him saying “Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership”. TheCable (another Nigerian news site) confirms he left the APC to join LP in 2022, and that by early 2025 he had decided to exit LP altogether. Okonkwo’s public resignation was unambiguous: he said his goal of fighting corruption and supporting good governance could no longer be achieved in the party as it stood.
Notably, Okonkwo had already hinted at leaving much earlier. As long ago as July 2024 he told media he had “no confidence” in Peter Obi to build a winning party. But he only formalized his departure in February 2025.
The Viral Interview: Okonkwo’s “Betrayal” Allegation
Just days after resigning, on June 14, 2025, Okonkwo gave a wide‐circulated video interview (on the Symfoni news platform) in which he accused Peter Obi of betrayal. In the viral interview, Okonkwo said Obi “went against his advice” and returned to support Julius Abure’s faction of the LP, despite Okonkwo’s warnings. The Punch newspaper reported that Okonkwo “revealed that Obi went against his advice and returned to support the embattled Julius Abure-led faction” of the party. Similarly, Nigerian Tribune summarized Okonkwo’s claim: “If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me,” Okonkwo declared.
Okonkwo said the Julius Abure-led faction of the party lied to Obi by telling him the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognized their group. Despite this, Obi – according to Okonkwo – “surreptitiously went back to them,” meaning he met with Abure’s group behind closed doors and publicly endorsed them. Okonkwo recounted that he privately warned Obi that working with that faction (which he described as “undemocratic” and “agents of the government”) would ruin Obi’s integrity and career. He even said he told Obi he would not follow Obi if he went along with Abure’s camp.
But Okonkwo says Obi ignored those cautions. Within about 72 hours of Okonkwo’s last warnings, Obi “went back to Abure’s office to publicly endorse them,” Okonkwo said. A party executive reportedly even sent Okonkwo a video mocking him – showing Obi at Abure’s office, thus implying Obi had abandoned Okonkwo’s advice. Okonkwo later noted that only when INEC publicly dissociated itself from Abure’s faction (saying Abure’s 2024 convention was invalid) did Obi start acting neutral. But by then Okonkwo felt it was too late.
The main lines from the interview were widely quoted by news sites. For instance, Punch quoted Okonkwo’s exact words: *“Any politician that knows what he’s doing cannot be betrayed by another. If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me.”*. This colorful language – “betrayed me” – quickly became the headline in many outlets. (See image above for Okonkwo and Obi together in happier times – the photograph was taken at a party gathering in 2023.)
Timeline: Okonkwo and Obi’s Collaboration
To understand the significance of these allegations, it helps to look at the background of Okonkwo’s and Obi’s political partnership since the 2023 election. Some key milestones:
2022 – Okonkwo joins Labour Party: Kenneth Okonkwo left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and became a member of the Labour Party. He explained at the time that he was dissatisfied with APC’s choices (notably its “Muslim–Muslim ticket” in 2023). Many saw Okonkwo’s joining as a boost for the LP, since he was already a popular Nollywood actor and public figure.
2023 Elections – Campaign Spokesperson: Peter Obi was the LP’s presidential candidate in 2023, and Okonkwo served as the LP Presidential Campaign Council’s spokesperson. During that campaign, Obi and Okonkwo frequently appeared together at rallies. Okonkwo was considered a loyal ally in Obi’s campaign team.
July 2024 – Public Doubts Emerge: By mid-2024, Okonkwo’s tone toward the party and Obi had begun to change. In July 2024 he publicly announced he no longer had confidence in Obi’s ability to build a winning party. He complained that Obi *“proved that even if the people vote for him, he does not have what it takes to secure the mandate”*. Around this time he also said the LP had become *“a secret society led by a group of clowns”*. These comments signaled a sharp break from his earlier enthusiasm.
September 2024 – Labour Party Crisis Worsens: Independent of Okonkwo’s own timeline, September 2024 was a critical point for the LP nationally. A meeting in Umuahia (Abia State) created a 29-member caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, alongside Obi and other top members, to try to heal the party’s divisions. This came after Lamidi Apapa (LP deputy chairman for the South) had declared himself acting chairman earlier. Obi and his running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed attended that Umuahia meeting. The INEC had already ruled that Julius Abure’s July 2024 convention (which re-elected him) was invalid.
October–January 2025 – Legal Battles: In late 2024 and early 2025, the battle over LP leadership went to the courts. In October 2024 a federal high court initially struck down Abure’s claim to the chairmanship, but then on October 8 Judge Nwite affirmed Abure as the legitimate chair. On January 17, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a ruling that Abure remained the party’s national chairman. However, in early 2025 both sides were still claiming victory, and the caretaker committee announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. In short, by January 2025 the LP had two rival factions each insisting they led the party.
February 25, 2025 – Okonkwo’s Resignation Takes Effect: Against this backdrop of chaos, Okonkwo formally ended his membership on the second anniversary of the election. He emphasized he had lost faith in the party’s direction and Obi’s ability to fix it.
June 14, 2025 – Allegations Go Public: And then on June 14, 2025, Okonkwo’s explosive interview aired. He accused Obi of ignoring his warnings about Abure’s faction, going behind his back, and thus “betraying” him. The video went viral on social media that weekend, being reported by major outlets (Punch, Tribune, Vanguard, PMNews, etc.) as “trending” and “widely shared”.
This timeline shows that Okonkwo was once a key Obi loyalist in 2023, but by mid-2024 his tone turned sharply critical. Many of Okonkwo’s grievances relate to that factional split involving Abure, but Okonkwo is now squarely blaming Obi for choosing to side with Abure’s group.
The Labour Party’s Internal Leadership Crisis
To fully grasp the controversy, it’s important to review what the Labour Party’s internal conflict is about, especially the role of Julius Abure. Starting in 2024, the LP was split between at least two major factions: one led by National Chairman Julius Abure, and another by a caretaker committee (with people like Lamidi Apapa and Nenadi Usman). Here are verified key facts:
July 2024 Convention – Julius Abure was re-elected national chairman at a party convention in Anambra. However, many leading LP members (including Obi) and the party’s Board of Trustees said that convention was a sham. INEC refused to monitor it and declared it invalid. Oluchi Oparah (LP treasurer) had also accused Abure of misusing party funds (N3.5 billion) earlier in 2024. By April 2024, a court even ordered Abure to stop calling himself chairman.
Caretaker Committee (September 2024) – In September 2024, LP leaders held a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia. They formed a caretaker committee (29 members) under Nenadi Usman to run the party, arguing that Abure’s term had ended and new elections were needed. Peter Obi attended that meeting and supported calls for an “all inclusive convention” to choose leaders democratically.
Legal Decisions – INEC had said Abure’s July 2024 convention was unconstitutional and that his tenure expired in June 2024. Abure’s faction took the case to court. In October 2024, a federal high court ruled in favor of Abure. The Court of Appeal in January 2025 also upheld Abure as the party chairman. (The Guardian reports that after the January 2025 judgment, “two factions have separately claimed victory”, with the caretaker group insisting the Supreme Court must decide.)
No Clear Leader – As of June 2025, neither side has complete control. The Abure faction insists its leadership is legitimate (backed by the Appeal Court and their supporters), while the caretaker committee claims Abure’s tenure is invalid and is pushing to the Supreme Court. Analysts warn that this prolonged fight has “stalled plans for a National Convention” and left many supporters feeling disillusioned. In other words, the party has been unable to settle on unified leadership or move forward.
In summary, the LP is deeply divided. Abure remains a highly controversial figure, accused by opponents of undemocratic practices. The factional split is so severe that Obi himself has publicly criticized it. (For instance, BusinessDay reports Obi as saying the LP’s problems are being “instigated and sustained by the government of today” – implying he blames outside forces for the turmoil.)
Peter Obi’s Response (and Labour Party’s Stance)
As of mid-June 2025, Peter Obi himself has not publicly commented on Okonkwo’s specific accusations. In the viral interview, Okonkwo’s claims go unchallenged by any known statement from Obi or his office. No press release or official response from Obi or the Labour Party was reported in connection with this video. In fact, media outlets note that Obi has been largely silent on the Okonkwo matter itself.
However, it is worth noting Obi’s general stance on the LP crisis. In recent months he has spoken of the need for unity and fair processes. For example, before leaving for an overseas trip earlier in 2025, Obi urged the Abure-led faction to hold an inclusive convention where all members could participate in choosing leaders. He also made statements blaming the ruling administration for LP’s troubles (a BusinessDay report quoted him saying the party’s crisis was “instigated and sustained by the government of today”). These comments suggest Obi blames external meddling more than internal disagreements.
Okonkwo’s interview excerpt, by contrast, claims privately that Obi was never opposed to Abure’s faction in principle – and in fact Okonkwo says Obi had approved all of Abure’s primary candidates for various elections (Imo, Edo, Ondo, Anambra). If true, that would mean Obi worked with Abure behind the scenes, only publicly distancing himself. Obi has not publicly addressed those allegations.
In short, no official rebuttal or confirmation has appeared. Obi and LP spokespersons have not spoken on record about the betrayal claims. Observers have noted this silence. It may be because the party hopes to focus on reconciliation or because the issue is seen as an internal squabble. Some Labour Party members might hope that airing these disputes publicly will hurt the party, so they keep statements low-key.
Nonetheless, the absence of an Obi response means readers have only Okonkwo’s side of the story. As one journalist put it, Okonkwo is “exposing” the dispute, but we do not yet have an “Obi’s side” source to cite. Until Obi speaks about these allegations, statements like “Peter Obi betrayed me” remain unproven claims by Okonkwo.
Political Implications for Peter Obi and the Labour Party
What might Okonkwo’s allegations and the broader crisis mean politically? Analysts warn that prolonged infighting can seriously harm a political party’s standing. The Guardian reported that insiders fear *“prolonged infighting could erode public trust and undermine the party’s momentum”*. For Peter Obi personally, negative headlines about betrayal and disunity could tarnish his image as a reform-minded leader. Okonkwo went so far as to call Obi “a politician of convenience, not of conviction” and accused him of committing “political suicide”. If many voters believe Okonkwo’s story, it could weaken Obi’s support base.
On the other hand, Okonkwo is now outside the party, and the LP’s future may depend more on how its remaining leaders manage the split. Obi’s critics might seize on the betrayal narrative to question why he didn’t pick a clearer side against Abure. His defenders will likely argue that Okonkwo is a disgruntled ex-member and that Obi’s actual support was needed to keep the party afloat. The net effect could be uncertainty: some hardcore Obi fans might be dismayed, while others might shrug it off as factional politics.
Nationally, the Labour Party’s next moves are critical. If Okonkwo’s claims are seen as credible, more LP members could demand that Obi clarify his position or even step up to lead a reunification. The LP has generally been strongest when Obi was actively involved; any impression that he is backing away from party issues could reduce enthusiasm. Already, Okonkwo’s exit was greeted with sharp words. One former LP official lamented that the “strength that brought us to this stage is beginning to dissipate” as key allies pull out (paraphrasing media reports).
However, it is also possible that voters pay more attention to the next presidential race or national issues, and this internal drama may recede into the background. Political commentators note that, either way, this controversy adds to a pattern of public quarrels in the party. The longer the LP remains split and leaderless (or disputed), the harder it will be to capitalize on the popularity Obi built in 2023. As TheCable put it, Obi’s party “gained significant prominence” in 2023, but now it faces an “existential threat” from its own divisions.
As soon as Kenneth Okonkwo’s interview aired, it became a major story in Nigerian media. News websites like Punch, Daily Post, Vanguard, Tribune, PM News and Legit.ng all carried headlines like “Peter Obi Betrayed Me”. The interview was described as “trending” and “widely shared”. On social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp), the clip was circulated, leading to many posts debating Okonkwo’s claims. Some users called it a bombshell, while others reminded people that Okonkwo had already left the party in February.
Media commentary has focused on the spectacle of a prominent former ally publicly accusing a leader of betrayal. Some columnists note that this is the latest in a series of public criticisms of Obi by his former supporters. The Tribune reported that Okonkwo resigned exactly on the two-year anniversary of the 2023 polls, tying it to his long-term disillusionment. Vanguard emphasized Okonkwo’s narrative: *“Okonkwo alleged Obi’s decision to realign with the Abure faction (after being warned) was a personal betrayal”*. Pulse Nigeria highlighted Okonkwo’s words about Obi ignoring calls to distance from Abure and strengthening divisions.
At the same time, defenders of Peter Obi have urged calm and unity. No official force is yet suggesting Obi should answer Okonkwo point by point – perhaps because Okonkwo is no longer in LP. Some Labour Party loyalists might privately complain that all this negative press distracts from issues like preparing for the 2027 elections. Others might see Okonkwo’s claims as one side of a bitter feud. Reporters are reminding readers that Okonkwo is known for outspoken statements (as we saw with his earlier “secret society of clowns” comment).
Political analysts say the LP needs to sort out its leadership rather than amplify personal grievances. As one expert put it, the focus should be on reconciling the party before looking towards the next election. Indeed, Guardian News warned that the party’s *“future hangs in the balance as both factions brace for what promises to be a landmark legal battle”*. Okonkwo’s story is a piece of that larger drama, but not the whole picture. Readers and party members are being asked: what is the vision of the Labour Party now, and how can all voices (critics like Okonkwo included) be heard and addressed?
Key Takeaways and Questions
Okonkwo’s Resignation: He officially left Labour Party in February 2025 (effective Feb 25), citing internal chaos and discredited leadership.
Allegations Against Obi: In June 2025, Okonkwo accused Obi of “betraying” him by siding with Julius Abure’s faction. This was made in a widely-reported, viral interview.
Okonkwo & Obi History: Okonkwo was Obi’s campaign spokesperson in 2023. They worked closely during the campaign, but Okonkwo began criticizing Obi publicly by mid-2024.
Labour Party Conflict: The LP is split between two factions (Abure vs Caretaker). Abure’s leadership is contested, leading to court cases. A recent Court of Appeal ruling in January 2025 and moves toward the Supreme Court illustrate this ongoing battle. The crisis has stalled the party’s organizing and left supporters confused.
Obi’s Position: Obi has not directly addressed Okonkwo’s claims. He has focused publicly on calling for unity and blaming outside interference for the troubles (a BusinessDay report quoted him blaming the administration for LP’s woes). We have no direct quote from Obi on the betrayal allegation.
Implications: This controversy could damage Obi’s standing if it convinces voters he is complicit in the LP’s disarray. Analysts warn infighting weakens parties. However, no verdict has been reached on any of Okonkwo’s claims – they remain accusations.
Public Reaction: Social media and news sites are buzzing about the story. Some see Okonkwo as a whistleblower; others say he is disgruntled. The debate highlights the ongoing crisis and the importance of Obi explaining his actions to followers.
Kenneth Okonkwo’s sensational charge that “Peter Obi betrayed me” is the latest twist in a complex Labour Party drama. To be clear, this is Okonkwo’s version of events – one side of a multi-sided conflict. As readers, it’s important to distinguish what is verified fact from what is accusation. The facts confirmed by multiple sources are: Okonkwo resigned from the LP in February 2025, Okonkwo did give an interview alleging Obi’s actions, and LP’s leadership is indeed in legal and political chaos. What is not yet confirmed is whether Obi actually “betrayed” Okonkwo, or why Obi chose to deal with Abure’s faction the way he did.
Labour Party supporters and the Nigerian public are now debating these questions. Some are calling for Obi to clarify and defend his decisions; others are discussing what Okonkwo’s allegations say about the party’s future. As the LP moves toward its next convention or court decisions, all eyes will be on how Obi and other leaders respond. Will this incident push the party to finally reconcile its factions, or will it deepen the divisions? We encourage readers to follow the developing news, consider all viewpoints, and keep the discussion focused on facts and solutions.
Okonkwo’s Resignation from the Labour Party
On February 11, 2025, Punch Newspaper reported that Kenneth Okonkwo had officially resigned his membership in the Labour Party. Okonkwo said he could no longer stay in what he described as “a party [that] is non-existent as presently constituted”. He stated that his resignation would take effect on 25 February 2025 – exactly two years after the 2023 election. In his resignation announcement, Okonkwo criticized the party’s current leadership. He specifically named LP National Chairman Julius Abure, accusing him of putting personal interests above the party’s well-being. Okonkwo warned that the party’s internal crisis was unsolvable under the current leaders, and that he would seek a new home for his political efforts after February 25.
For example, Punch quoted him saying “Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership”. TheCable (another Nigerian news site) confirms he left the APC to join LP in 2022, and that by early 2025 he had decided to exit LP altogether. Okonkwo’s public resignation was unambiguous: he said his goal of fighting corruption and supporting good governance could no longer be achieved in the party as it stood.
Notably, Okonkwo had already hinted at leaving much earlier. As long ago as July 2024 he told media he had “no confidence” in Peter Obi to build a winning party. But he only formalized his departure in February 2025.
The Viral Interview: Okonkwo’s “Betrayal” Allegation
Just days after resigning, on June 14, 2025, Okonkwo gave a wide‐circulated video interview (on the Symfoni news platform) in which he accused Peter Obi of betrayal. In the viral interview, Okonkwo said Obi “went against his advice” and returned to support Julius Abure’s faction of the LP, despite Okonkwo’s warnings. The Punch newspaper reported that Okonkwo “revealed that Obi went against his advice and returned to support the embattled Julius Abure-led faction” of the party. Similarly, Nigerian Tribune summarized Okonkwo’s claim: “If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me,” Okonkwo declared.
Okonkwo said the Julius Abure-led faction of the party lied to Obi by telling him the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recognized their group. Despite this, Obi – according to Okonkwo – “surreptitiously went back to them,” meaning he met with Abure’s group behind closed doors and publicly endorsed them. Okonkwo recounted that he privately warned Obi that working with that faction (which he described as “undemocratic” and “agents of the government”) would ruin Obi’s integrity and career. He even said he told Obi he would not follow Obi if he went along with Abure’s camp.
But Okonkwo says Obi ignored those cautions. Within about 72 hours of Okonkwo’s last warnings, Obi “went back to Abure’s office to publicly endorse them,” Okonkwo said. A party executive reportedly even sent Okonkwo a video mocking him – showing Obi at Abure’s office, thus implying Obi had abandoned Okonkwo’s advice. Okonkwo later noted that only when INEC publicly dissociated itself from Abure’s faction (saying Abure’s 2024 convention was invalid) did Obi start acting neutral. But by then Okonkwo felt it was too late.
The main lines from the interview were widely quoted by news sites. For instance, Punch quoted Okonkwo’s exact words: *“Any politician that knows what he’s doing cannot be betrayed by another. If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me.”*. This colorful language – “betrayed me” – quickly became the headline in many outlets. (See image above for Okonkwo and Obi together in happier times – the photograph was taken at a party gathering in 2023.)
Timeline: Okonkwo and Obi’s Collaboration
To understand the significance of these allegations, it helps to look at the background of Okonkwo’s and Obi’s political partnership since the 2023 election. Some key milestones:
2022 – Okonkwo joins Labour Party: Kenneth Okonkwo left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and became a member of the Labour Party. He explained at the time that he was dissatisfied with APC’s choices (notably its “Muslim–Muslim ticket” in 2023). Many saw Okonkwo’s joining as a boost for the LP, since he was already a popular Nollywood actor and public figure.
2023 Elections – Campaign Spokesperson: Peter Obi was the LP’s presidential candidate in 2023, and Okonkwo served as the LP Presidential Campaign Council’s spokesperson. During that campaign, Obi and Okonkwo frequently appeared together at rallies. Okonkwo was considered a loyal ally in Obi’s campaign team.
July 2024 – Public Doubts Emerge: By mid-2024, Okonkwo’s tone toward the party and Obi had begun to change. In July 2024 he publicly announced he no longer had confidence in Obi’s ability to build a winning party. He complained that Obi *“proved that even if the people vote for him, he does not have what it takes to secure the mandate”*. Around this time he also said the LP had become *“a secret society led by a group of clowns”*. These comments signaled a sharp break from his earlier enthusiasm.
September 2024 – Labour Party Crisis Worsens: Independent of Okonkwo’s own timeline, September 2024 was a critical point for the LP nationally. A meeting in Umuahia (Abia State) created a 29-member caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman, alongside Obi and other top members, to try to heal the party’s divisions. This came after Lamidi Apapa (LP deputy chairman for the South) had declared himself acting chairman earlier. Obi and his running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed attended that Umuahia meeting. The INEC had already ruled that Julius Abure’s July 2024 convention (which re-elected him) was invalid.
October–January 2025 – Legal Battles: In late 2024 and early 2025, the battle over LP leadership went to the courts. In October 2024 a federal high court initially struck down Abure’s claim to the chairmanship, but then on October 8 Judge Nwite affirmed Abure as the legitimate chair. On January 17, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a ruling that Abure remained the party’s national chairman. However, in early 2025 both sides were still claiming victory, and the caretaker committee announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court. In short, by January 2025 the LP had two rival factions each insisting they led the party.
February 25, 2025 – Okonkwo’s Resignation Takes Effect: Against this backdrop of chaos, Okonkwo formally ended his membership on the second anniversary of the election. He emphasized he had lost faith in the party’s direction and Obi’s ability to fix it.
June 14, 2025 – Allegations Go Public: And then on June 14, 2025, Okonkwo’s explosive interview aired. He accused Obi of ignoring his warnings about Abure’s faction, going behind his back, and thus “betraying” him. The video went viral on social media that weekend, being reported by major outlets (Punch, Tribune, Vanguard, PMNews, etc.) as “trending” and “widely shared”.
This timeline shows that Okonkwo was once a key Obi loyalist in 2023, but by mid-2024 his tone turned sharply critical. Many of Okonkwo’s grievances relate to that factional split involving Abure, but Okonkwo is now squarely blaming Obi for choosing to side with Abure’s group.
The Labour Party’s Internal Leadership Crisis
To fully grasp the controversy, it’s important to review what the Labour Party’s internal conflict is about, especially the role of Julius Abure. Starting in 2024, the LP was split between at least two major factions: one led by National Chairman Julius Abure, and another by a caretaker committee (with people like Lamidi Apapa and Nenadi Usman). Here are verified key facts:
July 2024 Convention – Julius Abure was re-elected national chairman at a party convention in Anambra. However, many leading LP members (including Obi) and the party’s Board of Trustees said that convention was a sham. INEC refused to monitor it and declared it invalid. Oluchi Oparah (LP treasurer) had also accused Abure of misusing party funds (N3.5 billion) earlier in 2024. By April 2024, a court even ordered Abure to stop calling himself chairman.
Caretaker Committee (September 2024) – In September 2024, LP leaders held a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia. They formed a caretaker committee (29 members) under Nenadi Usman to run the party, arguing that Abure’s term had ended and new elections were needed. Peter Obi attended that meeting and supported calls for an “all inclusive convention” to choose leaders democratically.
Legal Decisions – INEC had said Abure’s July 2024 convention was unconstitutional and that his tenure expired in June 2024. Abure’s faction took the case to court. In October 2024, a federal high court ruled in favor of Abure. The Court of Appeal in January 2025 also upheld Abure as the party chairman. (The Guardian reports that after the January 2025 judgment, “two factions have separately claimed victory”, with the caretaker group insisting the Supreme Court must decide.)
No Clear Leader – As of June 2025, neither side has complete control. The Abure faction insists its leadership is legitimate (backed by the Appeal Court and their supporters), while the caretaker committee claims Abure’s tenure is invalid and is pushing to the Supreme Court. Analysts warn that this prolonged fight has “stalled plans for a National Convention” and left many supporters feeling disillusioned. In other words, the party has been unable to settle on unified leadership or move forward.
In summary, the LP is deeply divided. Abure remains a highly controversial figure, accused by opponents of undemocratic practices. The factional split is so severe that Obi himself has publicly criticized it. (For instance, BusinessDay reports Obi as saying the LP’s problems are being “instigated and sustained by the government of today” – implying he blames outside forces for the turmoil.)
Peter Obi’s Response (and Labour Party’s Stance)
As of mid-June 2025, Peter Obi himself has not publicly commented on Okonkwo’s specific accusations. In the viral interview, Okonkwo’s claims go unchallenged by any known statement from Obi or his office. No press release or official response from Obi or the Labour Party was reported in connection with this video. In fact, media outlets note that Obi has been largely silent on the Okonkwo matter itself.
However, it is worth noting Obi’s general stance on the LP crisis. In recent months he has spoken of the need for unity and fair processes. For example, before leaving for an overseas trip earlier in 2025, Obi urged the Abure-led faction to hold an inclusive convention where all members could participate in choosing leaders. He also made statements blaming the ruling administration for LP’s troubles (a BusinessDay report quoted him saying the party’s crisis was “instigated and sustained by the government of today”). These comments suggest Obi blames external meddling more than internal disagreements.
Okonkwo’s interview excerpt, by contrast, claims privately that Obi was never opposed to Abure’s faction in principle – and in fact Okonkwo says Obi had approved all of Abure’s primary candidates for various elections (Imo, Edo, Ondo, Anambra). If true, that would mean Obi worked with Abure behind the scenes, only publicly distancing himself. Obi has not publicly addressed those allegations.
In short, no official rebuttal or confirmation has appeared. Obi and LP spokespersons have not spoken on record about the betrayal claims. Observers have noted this silence. It may be because the party hopes to focus on reconciliation or because the issue is seen as an internal squabble. Some Labour Party members might hope that airing these disputes publicly will hurt the party, so they keep statements low-key.
Nonetheless, the absence of an Obi response means readers have only Okonkwo’s side of the story. As one journalist put it, Okonkwo is “exposing” the dispute, but we do not yet have an “Obi’s side” source to cite. Until Obi speaks about these allegations, statements like “Peter Obi betrayed me” remain unproven claims by Okonkwo.
Political Implications for Peter Obi and the Labour Party
What might Okonkwo’s allegations and the broader crisis mean politically? Analysts warn that prolonged infighting can seriously harm a political party’s standing. The Guardian reported that insiders fear *“prolonged infighting could erode public trust and undermine the party’s momentum”*. For Peter Obi personally, negative headlines about betrayal and disunity could tarnish his image as a reform-minded leader. Okonkwo went so far as to call Obi “a politician of convenience, not of conviction” and accused him of committing “political suicide”. If many voters believe Okonkwo’s story, it could weaken Obi’s support base.
On the other hand, Okonkwo is now outside the party, and the LP’s future may depend more on how its remaining leaders manage the split. Obi’s critics might seize on the betrayal narrative to question why he didn’t pick a clearer side against Abure. His defenders will likely argue that Okonkwo is a disgruntled ex-member and that Obi’s actual support was needed to keep the party afloat. The net effect could be uncertainty: some hardcore Obi fans might be dismayed, while others might shrug it off as factional politics.
Nationally, the Labour Party’s next moves are critical. If Okonkwo’s claims are seen as credible, more LP members could demand that Obi clarify his position or even step up to lead a reunification. The LP has generally been strongest when Obi was actively involved; any impression that he is backing away from party issues could reduce enthusiasm. Already, Okonkwo’s exit was greeted with sharp words. One former LP official lamented that the “strength that brought us to this stage is beginning to dissipate” as key allies pull out (paraphrasing media reports).
However, it is also possible that voters pay more attention to the next presidential race or national issues, and this internal drama may recede into the background. Political commentators note that, either way, this controversy adds to a pattern of public quarrels in the party. The longer the LP remains split and leaderless (or disputed), the harder it will be to capitalize on the popularity Obi built in 2023. As TheCable put it, Obi’s party “gained significant prominence” in 2023, but now it faces an “existential threat” from its own divisions.
As soon as Kenneth Okonkwo’s interview aired, it became a major story in Nigerian media. News websites like Punch, Daily Post, Vanguard, Tribune, PM News and Legit.ng all carried headlines like “Peter Obi Betrayed Me”. The interview was described as “trending” and “widely shared”. On social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp), the clip was circulated, leading to many posts debating Okonkwo’s claims. Some users called it a bombshell, while others reminded people that Okonkwo had already left the party in February.
Media commentary has focused on the spectacle of a prominent former ally publicly accusing a leader of betrayal. Some columnists note that this is the latest in a series of public criticisms of Obi by his former supporters. The Tribune reported that Okonkwo resigned exactly on the two-year anniversary of the 2023 polls, tying it to his long-term disillusionment. Vanguard emphasized Okonkwo’s narrative: *“Okonkwo alleged Obi’s decision to realign with the Abure faction (after being warned) was a personal betrayal”*. Pulse Nigeria highlighted Okonkwo’s words about Obi ignoring calls to distance from Abure and strengthening divisions.
At the same time, defenders of Peter Obi have urged calm and unity. No official force is yet suggesting Obi should answer Okonkwo point by point – perhaps because Okonkwo is no longer in LP. Some Labour Party loyalists might privately complain that all this negative press distracts from issues like preparing for the 2027 elections. Others might see Okonkwo’s claims as one side of a bitter feud. Reporters are reminding readers that Okonkwo is known for outspoken statements (as we saw with his earlier “secret society of clowns” comment).
Political analysts say the LP needs to sort out its leadership rather than amplify personal grievances. As one expert put it, the focus should be on reconciling the party before looking towards the next election. Indeed, Guardian News warned that the party’s *“future hangs in the balance as both factions brace for what promises to be a landmark legal battle”*. Okonkwo’s story is a piece of that larger drama, but not the whole picture. Readers and party members are being asked: what is the vision of the Labour Party now, and how can all voices (critics like Okonkwo included) be heard and addressed?
Key Takeaways and Questions
Okonkwo’s Resignation: He officially left Labour Party in February 2025 (effective Feb 25), citing internal chaos and discredited leadership.
Allegations Against Obi: In June 2025, Okonkwo accused Obi of “betraying” him by siding with Julius Abure’s faction. This was made in a widely-reported, viral interview.
Okonkwo & Obi History: Okonkwo was Obi’s campaign spokesperson in 2023. They worked closely during the campaign, but Okonkwo began criticizing Obi publicly by mid-2024.
Labour Party Conflict: The LP is split between two factions (Abure vs Caretaker). Abure’s leadership is contested, leading to court cases. A recent Court of Appeal ruling in January 2025 and moves toward the Supreme Court illustrate this ongoing battle. The crisis has stalled the party’s organizing and left supporters confused.
Obi’s Position: Obi has not directly addressed Okonkwo’s claims. He has focused publicly on calling for unity and blaming outside interference for the troubles (a BusinessDay report quoted him blaming the administration for LP’s woes). We have no direct quote from Obi on the betrayal allegation.
Implications: This controversy could damage Obi’s standing if it convinces voters he is complicit in the LP’s disarray. Analysts warn infighting weakens parties. However, no verdict has been reached on any of Okonkwo’s claims – they remain accusations.
Public Reaction: Social media and news sites are buzzing about the story. Some see Okonkwo as a whistleblower; others say he is disgruntled. The debate highlights the ongoing crisis and the importance of Obi explaining his actions to followers.
Kenneth Okonkwo’s sensational charge that “Peter Obi betrayed me” is the latest twist in a complex Labour Party drama. To be clear, this is Okonkwo’s version of events – one side of a multi-sided conflict. As readers, it’s important to distinguish what is verified fact from what is accusation. The facts confirmed by multiple sources are: Okonkwo resigned from the LP in February 2025, Okonkwo did give an interview alleging Obi’s actions, and LP’s leadership is indeed in legal and political chaos. What is not yet confirmed is whether Obi actually “betrayed” Okonkwo, or why Obi chose to deal with Abure’s faction the way he did.
Labour Party supporters and the Nigerian public are now debating these questions. Some are calling for Obi to clarify and defend his decisions; others are discussing what Okonkwo’s allegations say about the party’s future. As the LP moves toward its next convention or court decisions, all eyes will be on how Obi and other leaders respond. Will this incident push the party to finally reconcile its factions, or will it deepen the divisions? We encourage readers to follow the developing news, consider all viewpoints, and keep the discussion focused on facts and solutions.