Doyin Okupe Resigns from Labour Party Citing Ideological Differences
Doyin Okupe, the former Director General of the Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, has officially announced his resignation from the Labour Party. The decision was conveyed through a resignation letter shared with journalists on Monday, where Okupe attributed his departure to ideological differences emerging after the 2023 elections.
In December 2023, Okupe faced legal challenges, being convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja for money laundering amounting to N700 million. The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly receiving funds from former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, earmarked for arms procurement. Despite being sentenced to two years in prison, Okupe opted for a fine of N13 million, avoiding incarceration.
Following his conviction, Okupe withdrew from the campaign of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, while expressing his ongoing support and loyalty to the party’s flagbearer.
In his resignation letter, Okupe stated, “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Highlighting the ideological misalignment, Okupe remarked, “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 centre.”
Expressing his political alignment, Okupe clarified, “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.”
Concluding his letter, Okupe thanked the leadership of the party for their cordiality and respect during his tenure as the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization. He extended his best wishes for the party’s future endeavours, closing with a prayer for the success of the Labour Party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
