“I’ve Never Criticised Tinubu—A Good Man Doesn’t Spoil Another,” Says Okupe

Former presidential aide Doyin Okupe has denied ever criticizing President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing their shared history and mutual respect. Okupe was responding to a recent article that named him among former critics of Tinubu who have since become supporters.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okupe highlighted his longstanding connection with Tinubu, particularly during the struggle against military rule in Nigeria. He described their bond as forged during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) era when Tinubu was abroad while he remained in Nigeria coordinating efforts.

“Go and check all through my time in the Labour Party and in PDP. I have never in my life criticized Bola Tinubu even though we have never been under the same political umbrella before,” Okupe stated. “A good man does not spoil another good person. We had a very serious, not-so-visible bond during NADECO. When we were in the trenches together under severe pressure from the government, running from here to here, it gives a bond that even political partisanship cannot give.”

Okupe’s assertion contrasts with public records of his earlier statements. In October 2013, as a senior special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan on public affairs, Okupe issued statements criticizing Tinubu. He questioned Tinubu’s stance on Jonathan’s proposed national conference, suggesting it did not reflect the views of the Yoruba majority in the southwest. Okupe also dismissed Tinubu’s remarks on the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), accusing him of spreading misinformation.

Okupe was the director-general of the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council during the 2023 election but resigned in December 2022. By January 2024, he had also left the Labour Party. Since then, he has openly expressed support for Tinubu and his policies, reinforcing his current position as a consistent advocate for the president.