Okupe withdraws support for Obi, cites “Insulting” comments on South-West

Doyin Okupe, the former director-general of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, has publicly withdrawn his support for Peter Obi, citing recent remarks made by the former Anambra State governor regarding the economic situation in the South-West region.

In a viral clip, Obi criticized the region’s economic conditions, particularly the soaring price of rice and bread, which he described as emblematic of the country’s broader economic struggles.

Obi’s comments, made during a public address, included the statement: “Let us talk about what is happening today. Rice is about N100,000. We are not even sure where we are going to be. ‘It’s our turn’, he is a Yoruba man” — ask the people in Ogun, is there any place where you people buy bread cheaper?”

Okupe, a prominent Yoruba political figure, appeared visibly frustrated as he spoke out about Obi’s remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

Describing the statement as an “insult” to the people of the South-West, Okupe emphasized that Obi’s comments were not only misguided but damaging to the reputation of a region that had been a stronghold of support during Obi’s presidential bid.

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Okupe, who had been one of Obi’s most vocal and influential supporters during the Labour Party’s 2023 campaign, said that Obi’s statement had undermined the South-West and its contributions to his candidacy.

“When Obi made that statement, it insulted us. I am a Yoruba man; I left everything and followed Obi. I do not regret supporting Peter Obi, but now I cannot do it again,” Okupe declared, expressing his deep disappointment over the comments.

He further explained that his decision to withdraw his support was based on the failure of Obi to appreciate the significance of the South-West’s backing during the election campaign.

“If all these eminent Yoruba people supported you, why now bring us down publicly? It is wrong,” Okupe said, lamenting that Obi had not acknowledged the role of the South-West in helping to propel his presidential bid.

Okupe’s withdrawal from the Obi camp also touched on the pivotal role of South-West support in the Labour Party’s campaign.

He pointed out that even former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a major figure in Nigerian politics, had moved beyond his traditional political alliances to support Obi.

This, Okupe said, was indicative of the significant backing Obi received from the region, making the former governor’s comments about the South-West all the more hurtful.

“Obasanjo has supported you, and many eminent Yoruba people stood by you,” Okupe remarked. “But now, you turn around and make such a derogatory statement about the region. It’s not just ungrateful, it’s disrespectful.”