The Labour Party (LP) and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson and political strategist.
Okupe, who previously served as the Director-General of Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, passed away in a Lagos hospital following a battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.
During his political career, Okupe was the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He later resigned from the Labour Party in 2024, citing ideological differences, and faced criticism for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.
Reacting to his death, Obi took to his X handle on Friday, describing Okupe as a dedicated political figure who was committed to building a better Nigeria.
“With great sadness, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I sincerely mourn his passing,” Obi wrote.
He urged supporters to pray for Okupe’s family, adding, “His death is a profound loss not just to his family but to all of us. May God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
Similarly, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, described Okupe as a charismatic leader whose impact on Nigerian politics would be deeply missed.
“The Labour Party leadership was jolted this morning by the news of Dr. Okupe’s sudden passing. Before joining the LP in 2022, he had played key roles in Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and later as an adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan,” Abure stated.
He highlighted Okupe’s significant contributions to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, calling him an inspirational leader who remained committed to Nigeria’s progress.
“Though he resigned from the party last year, he continued to offer us valuable advice. He was lively, energetic, honest, and creative—qualities we will sorely miss,” Abure added.
He concluded by describing Okupe’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, saying, “Though he had much more to offer, death has forced him to write the final chapter of his life. We bid him a sorrowful farewell.”
