“How Labour Party Stalwarts Deserted a Man Who Gave Them Everything” – Balami on Doyin Okupe’s Final Days

At the commendation service held on Saturday for the late Dr. Doyin Okupe, former National Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi/Datti 2023 presidential campaign, Balami Isaac expressed deep disappointment over the treatment Okupe received from senior members of the Labour Party during his final years. Speaking candidly at the event, Balami lamented that those Okupe supported with unwavering loyalty during the 2023 election campaign abandoned him when he was battling serious illness.

Balami, an aviation expert and youth activist, recounted Okupe’s crucial role as Director-General of the Obi/Datti campaign, led by Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate. Despite Okupe’s efforts, including significant personal financial contributions to the campaign, Balami said he was left to suffer in silence. “When his son was speaking, everything he said was correct except one thing he did not say very well,” Balami remarked. “He said when you offend Dr. Doyin Okupe and genuinely ask for forgiveness, he will forgive you. But people he gave everything for deserted him, betrayed him, lied against him—yet he forgave them.”

Highlighting Okupe’s sacrifices, Balami shared a moment from the campaign where Okupe personally funded activities despite the availability of party funds. “We had N100 million available for that day. Dr. Okupe put all the money on the table, and all the directors would sit and he would distribute the money. After the campaign, he was left in debt. He never took anything for himself, even though the campaign had billions.”

Balami criticised the silence and distance shown by party figures once the campaign ended. “He was deserted by the people he worked with. At some point, I reached out on his behalf. They never called him or asked how he was feeling,” he said. His comments were echoed by others in the audience, with one person noting that the silence lasted “for two years,” and another adding, “They did not pick up his calls.”

Responding to suggestions that Okupe’s return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was financially motivated, Balami firmly dismissed the claim. “He didn’t go back to APC because of money. He told me one day, ‘Balami, I went back because I have seen it all. I went back to reconcile with the people that never hurt me.’”

Balami also shared how Okupe underwent a major surgery in the UK, after which he returned to Nigeria and was still ignored by former colleagues. “After a six-hour flight, he crawled to the car after a major surgery. They saw him in pain, but 18 months later, they still never called him. The same people can’t even say a word to acknowledge that he was a good man.”

He also condemned attacks on Okupe’s legacy by some supporters of the Labour Party on social media. “The few Obidients insulting this man on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are very ignorant. But he already forgave them. He told me and told everybody. Even the ones he expected so much from, he forgave them.”

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a veteran politician and former presidential aide, passed away earlier this year. His commendation service was attended by several political figures, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.