Summary:
- Doyin Okupe, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Labour Party and former vice presidential candidate, has stirred controversy among his supporters after being spotted with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Okupe’s appearance with Abiodun has raised questions about his political allegiances and left many supporters feeling disheartened.
- In response to the backlash, Okupe clarified that Governor Abiodun is his cousin and emphasized that he does not engage in politics of enmity based on political differences.
(MandyNews.com) – A recent development in Nigerian politics has left many supporters feeling disheartened as Doyin Okupe, a prominent figure in the Labour Party and former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, was spotted with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okupe has been a staunch advocate for Peter Obi, widely seen as a hero and visionary leader capable of guiding the country to a prosperous future.
However, his public appearance with a key figure from the APC has raised eyebrows and left many wondering about the extent of his political allegiances.
The sight of Okupe and Abiodun disembarking from a plane together has fueled speculation about possible political collaborations between the former spokesman of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of Atiku Abubakar and the APC.
Such conjecture has been met with disappointment among Okupe’s supporters, who had believed in the Labour Party’s principles and viewed the APC as their primary opposition.
In response to the backlash from his supporters, Okupe has sought to clarify the situation, explaining that Governor Dapo Abiodun is, in fact, his cousin and a blood relation. He mentioned that he had called the governor to express his gratitude for a recent visit to his home. It was during this conversation that Abiodun invited Okupe to join him in welcoming some investors at the new airport in their hometown of Iperu.
Okupe emphasized that he does not engage in politics of enmity based on political differences. Rather, he sees political opponents as competitors in the quest for a better Nigeria, not as enemies. He reiterated that maintaining personal relationships with individuals from rival parties is not uncommon in politics.
He went on to provide examples of his cross-party connections, citing Femi Gbajabiamila, a member of the APC, who was a special guest of honor at Okupe’s book launch. Okupe pointed out that Gbajabiamila’s mother is his aunt, further illustrating the interconnectedness of Nigerian politics.
While Okupe’s explanation may assuage some concerns, the incident highlights the complexities and fluidity of political allegiances in Nigeria.
It serves as a reminder that the lines between political parties can often be blurred, and that relationships between politicians may extend beyond party lines.