Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Organisation, has made the decision to resign from the Labour Party, citing ideological differences and his political convictions.
In a letter addressed to the party executives, Okupe expressed gratitude for the platform provided during the 2023 Presidential Elections, highlighting his disagreement with the party’s ideological stance rooted in the left of the center.
“I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life. It is therefore this ideological conflict that makes me seek an exit so that I may continue my political activities with liberalism, sincerity and freedom,” Okupe stated.
The letter also conveyed appreciation for the cordiality and respect accorded during his tenure with the party, wishing them success in their future endeavors.
This resignation follows Okupe’s withdrawal from the campaign of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023.
It is worth noting that Okupe had earlier expressed his support for Obi and the campaign, reaffirming his commitment to their cause.
However, this decision arrives on the heels of his conviction for money laundering by the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a case involving former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
Despite this development, Okupe remains a seasoned political figure, having served as a presidential spokesperson and actively contributing to the political landscape of Nigeria.
His resignation letter partly reads, “I submit herewith my letter of resignation from the Labour Party with effect from today. You will recall that our flagbearer, Mr Peter Obi, myself and others left the PDP abruptly and had to look for a Special Purpose Vehicle in which to contest the 2023 Presidential Elections.
“The Labour Party, your good self, and other members of your executives provided us with this veritable platform with no burdensomeness whatsoever and for which we were extremely grateful.
“We did contest the election on the platform of the Labour Party and lost. This makes it exceedingly difficult for me to continue to stay in the Labour Party which is ideologically rooted in the left of the center.
“I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life. It is therefore this ideological conflict that makes me seek an exit so that I may continue my political activities with liberalism, sincerity and freedom.
“I wish to thank you in particular and other members of the leadership of the party for the cordiality and respect accorded to me as the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization.
“I wish you and the party success in your future endeavors. Long live the Labour Party. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your brother, friend and compatriot, Omooba (Dr Doyin Okupe, Former Director General Obi-Datti Campaign Organization.”
Okupe’s conviction on Monday by the Federal High Court in Abuja followed his prosecution by the anti-graft agency EFCC for money laundering to the tune of N700 million.
Before now, he avoided jail time by paying a fine of N13 million.
This latest development has poses a challenge to the Obi campaign’s emphasis on accountability and a fresh approach to governance, representing a setback in Labour Party’s quest for change.
