Doyin Okupe, the former director-general of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, has announced his decision to withdraw support for Peter Obi, citing the latter’s recent comments regarding the economic challenges in the southwest as the primary reason.
In a widely circulated video, Obi remarked, “Let’s discuss the current situation. Rice prices have reached about N100,000. We are uncertain about our future. Phrases like ‘It’s our turn’ and ‘he is a Yoruba man’—ask the residents of Ogun if they can find bread at a lower price anywhere.”
During an interview, Okupe characterized Obi’s statements as an “insult” to the people of the southwest, stressing that such comments undermine the region, especially considering the backing Obi received from prominent Yoruba leaders during his presidential campaign.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, Okupe stated, “Obi’s remarks were insulting. As a Yoruba man, I dedicated my efforts to support Obi… I have no regrets about my previous support for him. However, I cannot continue to do so now.”
Okupe emphasized that his withdrawal stems from Obi’s failure to recognize the contributions of the southwest to his campaign. “If many distinguished Yoruba individuals supported you, why would you choose to diminish us publicly? It is simply wrong,” he remarked.
He also pointed out that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had stepped outside his usual political circles to endorse Obi, emphasizing the importance of support from the southwest.
