Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former Director-General of the Labour Party’s Presidential Campaign Council, has clarified that he is not affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while expressing admiration for the significant reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.
The former Presidential Spokesperson took to social media to address backlash regarding his support for Tinubu’s initiatives. Reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicate that Okupe has faced scrutiny for his consistent backing and commendation of various governments since 1999.
Having previously served as an aide to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan while being a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okupe later transitioned to the Labour Party to endorse Peter Obi’s presidential campaign in the 2023 elections.
“I am not a member of the APC nor do I serve as an advisor to the current administration,” Okupe stated. “I genuinely appreciate President Bola Tinubu’s courageous decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy, a move that all candidates endorsed during the campaign period.”
He also expressed his support for the equalization of the foreign exchange market, acknowledging that while these reforms have contributed to the current economic difficulties faced by citizens, he believes they are temporary, given the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.
“This is not a case of flattery. I do not consider myself part of the opposition, allowing me to adopt an objective and constructive stance. I may not have played a role in the formation of this government, but as a citizen and stakeholder, I do not wish for it to fail. I don’t see this as a transgression.”
Okupe called on his critics, particularly PDP figure Mr. Dele Momodu, to refrain from personal attacks in their criticisms. “We are all participants in this political landscape; there’s no need for personal animosity. Critiques should remain rational, mature, and professional,” he urged.
He further clarified that the assertion of him praising every government since 1999 is inaccurate. He served as an advisor during the Obasanjo administration, which he regards as one of the most effective in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, but did not hold a significant role in the subsequent administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua. He later resumed his advisory role during Jonathan’s presidency, which ultimately lost to the Buhari-led APC.
