The former Director General of Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, Doyin Okupe, has dumped the Labour Party (LP).
Okupe announced this in a letter made available to journalists on Monday, January 8, 2024. He hinged his decision on “ideological conflict”after the February 25, 2023, presidential election.
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 Election.
“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 Organisation.
“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 Organisation.”
It would be recalled Okupe, in December 2023, was convicted by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja after being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for money laundering to the tune of N700 million.
He was accused of illegally receiving money from the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, from the funds meant for arms procurement. He was jailed for two years with a fine option of N13 million, which he took and avoided time in prison.
Okupe, a day after his conviction, announced his withdrawal from the campaign of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, but vowed his support and loyalty to the party’s flagbearer.
