Dr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned politician and former spokesperson for two Nigerian presidents, has been a prominent figure in the political landscape since the aborted Third Republic. In his career, he earned the reputation of being a fierce defender of his principals, a role that led to his characterization as an “attack dog.” Despite frequent criticisms, Okupe believes that principled leadership often attracts backlash, and he rejects the idea of staying silent to avoid scrutiny.
In this detailed interview, Okupe critiques two notable figures from the 2023 presidential election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. He argues that both candidates lacked better solutions for Nigeria’s challenges and dismisses their claims that the 2023 election was rigged. He also defends President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing Tinubu as a reformer with a clear vision for Nigeria’s recovery, whose policies, he insists, will yield tangible results in due course.
Addressing allegations that he is seeking a position in Tinubu’s administration, Okupe categorically denies this, emphasizing his age (72) and extensive career accomplishments. He points out that critics making these claims are often young people unfamiliar with his history. He asserts that his support for leaders has always been driven by his sense of justice and fairness, not personal gain. Okupe cited his support for Peter Obi in 2022 as an example, explaining that no one lobbied him or influenced his decision to back Obi. Instead, he chose Obi based on the principle of regional equity, as he believed it was the South-East’s turn to produce a president.
Okupe highlighted past instances of his principle-driven decisions, such as resigning from the National Republican Convention (NRC) after the annulment of the 1993 election, despite opportunities for personal advancement. He also supported former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1998, not because of any prior personal relationship, but because he believed Obasanjo was the best candidate for Nigeria at the time. This pattern of supporting leaders he considers capable and just has been a consistent theme in his political career.
Okupe explained his support for Tinubu as stemming from a long-standing political relationship dating back to their NADECO days, even though they had often been on opposing sides. Okupe described Tinubu as a technocrat and visionary leader with a deep understanding of developmental policies. Comparing Tinubu to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Okupe praised Tinubu’s strategic thinking and likened him to a reformer with the courage to tackle Nigeria’s systemic problems head-on.
Okupe acknowledged that Tinubu inherited a struggling economy characterized by debt, fiscal indiscipline, and dwindling creditworthiness. He credited Tinubu with making tough, unpopular decisions, such as removing the petrol subsidy and addressing currency arbitrage in the foreign exchange market. According to Okupe, these reforms are essential for long-term stability but require patience and public support to bear fruit. He also praised Tinubu’s efforts in introducing policies like student loans, consumer protection programs, and tax reforms, which he believes are strategically aligned with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Okupe dismissed allegations from the opposition that the 2023 presidential election was stolen. While acknowledging that rigging has been a recurring issue in Nigerian elections, he argued that no election has been completely free of irregularities since independence. He pointed out that Tinubu’s APC lost in key strongholds, including Lagos State, as evidence that claims of widespread rigging lack merit. Okupe also noted that Labour Party’s success in certain regions, including Tinubu’s home base, further undermines the rigging narrative.
Okupe acknowledged Atiku Abubakar’s extensive political experience but argued that Atiku’s policy proposals were unrealistic given Nigeria’s economic state. Atiku’s plans to secure substantial loans to stimulate the economy were impractical, as Nigeria’s creditworthiness had significantly declined by the end of Buhari’s administration.
Regarding Peter Obi, Okupe criticized the lack of a comprehensive policy document during the Labour Party campaign. He dismissed Obi’s rhetoric of transforming Nigeria from a consumption-based to a production-based economy as insufficiently grounded in actionable policy frameworks.
Okupe expressed confidence in Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, describing it as the most credible and actionable policy document among the 2023 candidates. He lauded Tinubu’s decisive actions, such as confirming the removal of fuel subsidies, ending exploitative practices in the foreign exchange market, and addressing the N21 trillion Ways and Means debt.
He also highlighted Tinubu’s systematic approach to reforms, including establishing a tax reform committee, as evidence of his preparedness for governance.
Okupe urged Nigerians to be patient and supportive of Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the president’s policies, while painful in the short term, are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term recovery. He remains steadfast in his belief that Tinubu is the most capable leader to navigate Nigeria through its current challenges.
