The Labour Party (LP) has reacted to the resignation of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman and a key figure in the party’s 2023 campaign, by stating that his departure simply confirms his longtime affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to Okupe’s letter of resignation, which cited ideological differences between himself and the LP, National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh wished Okupe well in his future endeavours but emphasised that his departure was no surprise.
“Yes, we received the letter from Dr. Doyin Okupe, tendering his resignation as a member of the Labour Party. We want to say that we wish him very well in his pursuit of his political career. We in the Labour Party cherish the moment we had with him.
“After a short time, December 2022, when he had cause to leave the campaign based on some legal issues, we thank him for the contributions he made when he was the chairman of the DG of the campaign.
“We wish him very well. We want to say that he is saying that he is leaving because he is a Liberal Democrat, while the Labour Party is a Social Democrat.
“It is also a good thing because he is not expected to be in a territory where his ideological bent will be confused or different. He has always been a PDP man, so the Labour Party expects that he will return to anywhere he wants to be.
“We wish him all the best in his future political pursuit. Though we saw the letter on social media but we have not received it officially,” Ifoh said.
Okupe’s resignation follows the controversy surrounding his December 2022 resignation from Peter Obi’s campaign. He stepped down as Director General following a conviction for receiving over N200 million from former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.
