Okupe: I Support Tinubu’s Bold Reforms Despite Not Being an APC Member

Dr. Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, has stated that while he is not a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he appreciates the bold reforms being undertaken by President Bola Tinubu. This clarification came through a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), where Okupe addressed the criticisms he has faced for endorsing Tinubu’s initiatives.

Okupe, who has served as a Presidential Spokesperson under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has been accused of consistently supporting and advising every government in power since 1999. Transitioning from his roles in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okupe joined the Labour Party to support Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the 2023 elections.

In his social media statement, Okupe emphasized, “I am neither a member of the APC nor an adviser of the administration. I appreciate the bold initiatives President Bola Tinubu took to remove fuel subsidy, which was assented to by all candidates during the campaign. I also fully support the sectoral equalisation of our forex market.”

Okupe acknowledged that these reforms have contributed to the current hardships faced by Nigerians but expressed optimism that the government’s efforts to mitigate these effects would soon bear fruit. He clarified that his support is not partisan but stems from a place of objectivity and a desire for national progress.

Responding to personal criticisms, particularly from PDP chieftain Mr. Dele Momodu, Okupe urged for rational and professional discourse. “We all are practitioners, players, and known actors in this amphitheater, no need to go personal. Let’s keep criticisms rational, mature, and professional,” he stated.

Okupe also refuted claims that he has been a perennial praise-singer for every administration since 1999. He highlighted that his advisory role was limited to the Obasanjo administration, which he regards as one of the most successful since the fourth republic, and that he did not play a significant role during President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure. He served again as an adviser during Jonathan’s administration, which ended with APC’s victory under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Drawing parallels, Okupe likened his associations with former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Peter Obi to Momodu’s current alignment with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, underscoring the dynamic nature of political alliances.