Doyin Okupe, the former Director General of Peter Obi-Datti’s Presidential Campaign Organisation, has left the Labour Party.
Okupe’s resignation letter, published in the media on Monday, cited ideological disagreements following the 2023 election as the reason for his departure from the party.
Okupe was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in December 2023 after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him with N700 million in money laundering.
He was accused of fraudulently obtaining money from former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki from monies intended for military purchase.
He was sentenced to two years in prison, but the judge offered him the option of paying a N13 million fine instead, which he accepted and avoided jail time.
Okupe, a day after being convicted of money laundering, announced his departure from the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, but reaffirmed his support and allegiance to the party’s leader.
Okupe’s resignation letter stated, “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 centre.
“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 endeavours. 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.
