The Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (LPPCC), Dr. Doyin Okupe, has tendered his resignation from the position.
Okupe in a letter dated December 20, 2022, addressed to the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, said given his personal travails of seeking justice and to clear his name through the nation’s legal system, and the fact that he has invested too much in Obi’s campaign to allow his personal travails to become a source of distraction, he has opted to step aside and plead that the candidate appoint a new Campaign DG, who can continue the assignment without distractions.
Recall that Okupe was on Monday convicted for money laundering with an option of fine in a case preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“You will recall that I briefed you yesterday about my personal travails in seeking justice and clearing my name using the Nigerian Legal System to pursue same.
“I have invested too much in your campaign to allow my personal travails to become a source of distraction.
“In the circumstances, I have opted to step aside and plead that you appoint a new Campaign DG who can continue the assignment with zero distractions,” Okupe said in the letter.
He, however, said he would remain with Peter Obi, the ‘Obidients’ Movement and campaigns till they achieve electoral victory in 2023.
In a post on his verified Twitter handle, Okupe wrote: “It’s time to step aside. But I am with PO and the Obidients and the Presidential Campaigns till God gives us victory in Jesus Name.”
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television Politics Today programme, Tuesday, the Chief Spokesman of the LPPCC, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the party received the news with nixed feelings, saying his resignation will be discussed at the LPPCC to determine the way forward.
Asked if there was any person in mind to replace Okupe, Tanko said whatever is being bandied about is mere speculation that has not been discussed at any level in the party’s hierarchy, assuring that the party would make a pronouncement on the matter that will satisfy all Obidients.