The former Director General of Peter Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, Doyin Okupe, has dumped the Labour Party.
In a letter shared with journalists on Monday, Doyin Okupe cited ideological differences following the 2023 election as the reason for his departure from the Labour Party.
In December 2023, Okupe was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering totaling N700 million, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He was accused of unlawfully receiving funds from former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, intended for arms procurement.
Despite being sentenced to two years in prison, Okupe opted for a fine of N13 million, avoiding incarceration.
The day after his money laundering conviction, he formally withdrew from the campaign of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, while pledging continued support and loyalty to the party’s flagbearer.
In his resignation, Okupe said, “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 Elections.
“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.”
He added, “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,” he prayed.