In a significant development, Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former Director General of the Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, has officially parted ways with the Labour Party. Okupe’s decision was revealed in his resignation letter, shared with journalists on Monday, where he attributed his departure to ideological differences following the 2023 election.
Okupe, who faced legal troubles in December 2023, having been convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja for money laundering amounting to N700 million, stated in his resignation letter that the post-2023 election era brought about a shift in ideologies, prompting him to sever ties with the Labour Party.
The former Director General was accused of illegally receiving funds from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, intended for arms procurement. Despite being sentenced to two years in prison, Okupe opted for a fine of N13 million, avoiding incarceration.
Notably, Okupe had announced his withdrawal from Peter Obi’s campaign a day after his money laundering conviction but pledged his continued support to the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.
In his resignation letter, Okupe expressed gratitude for the Labour Party’s provision of a platform for their campaign and acknowledged the amicable relationship with the party’s leadership. However, he highlighted the ideological conflict arising from the party’s left-leaning stance, as opposed to his lifelong rightist and Liberal Democrat orientation.
“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 in his letter.
Despite his departure, Okupe extended his well-wishes to the Labour Party, expressing hopes for success in their future endeavors. The former Director General signed off with prayers for the longevity of the Labour Party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This development underscores the evolving political landscape and internal dynamics within political parties, as key figures make strategic decisions based on ideological alignments.