Former presidential spokesman Dr. Doyin Okupe has refuted claims that he ever criticized President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing a history of mutual respect and collaboration dating back to their days in the pro-democracy struggle under NADECO.
Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Okupe responded to a recent report listing him among politicians who were once critics of Tinubu but are now supporters.
“There is no record anywhere in my political career where I ever criticized Bola Tinubu,” Okupe said. “Go and check all through my time in the Labour Party and PDP. I have never in my life criticized him, even though we have never been under the same political umbrella before.”
Okupe recounted their shared efforts during the NADECO era, highlighting the bond formed during the pro-democracy movement.
“When we were in the trenches together under severe pressure from the government, running from here to there, it created a bond that even political partisanship cannot break,” he added.
Okupe explained that his support for President Tinubu stems from his assessment of the president’s vision and patriotism, rather than political expediency.
“He is a reformer and a deep thinker. I’ve always known that if he gets the opportunity, he will do well,” Okupe said, dismissing allegations of opportunistic allegiance.
He also noted that his endorsement of Tinubu followed his decision to step aside during the 2023 elections to back a South East candidate in the interest of national unity.
According to Okupe, his actions are guided by conscience, not inducements. “Just like Peter Obi didn’t ask or pay me to support him, Tinubu didn’t lobby me either. I follow my mind and my conscience.”
Okupe’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the shifting alliances in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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