Former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has stated that he has never criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout his political career.
Speaking during an interview in Lagos on Sunday, Okupe addressed reports labeling him as one of the politicians who previously criticised Tinubu but have now become supporters.
According to Okupe, such claims are baseless, as no evidence exists to support the assertion that he ever spoke ill of Tinubu.
“Go and check all through my time in the Labour Party and in the PDP. I have never in my life criticised Bola Tinubu even though we have never been under the same political umbrella before,” Okupe said.
Okupe recalled their shared history during the NADECO National Democratic Coalition) era, a time when both men fought against military rule, albeit from different fronts.
“A good man does not spo(il another good person. We had a very serious, not-so-visible bond during the NADECO days. He was abroad while we were here in Nigeria coordinating.
“When we were in the trenches together under severe pressure from government, running from here to there, it creates a bond that even political partisanship cannot break,” he explained.
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Okupe challenged anyone to find records of him ever criticising Tinubu, reiterating, “There is nowhere you will hear me speak anything ill about Bola Tinubu.”
Okupe also revealed that he stepped down his political ambitions for the 2023 general elections at the behest of Yoruba elders, who urged him to support a South East candidate for the sake of national unity. Despite his candidate’s loss, Okupe said he sees no reason not to support Tinubu as President.
“As a patriotic politician, it is my duty to support whoever is leading the country for the sake of unity and progress,” Okupe said.
Okupe described his interactions with Tinubu as enlightening, noting the President’s passion for reform and national development.
“He is a reformer and a deep thinker. I have always known that if he has the opportunity, he will do well. That is what is driving my support for him,” Okupe said.
He added that his decision to back Tinubu was based on personal conviction, not coercion or financial inducement.
“Just like Peter Obi didn’t ask or pay me to support him before I threw in my all to promote him, so also Tinubu didn’t ask me or lobby me to support him.
“I follow my conscience and my mind, and I am not induced by money or sentiments,” Okupe declared.
Okupe concluded by reiterating his unwavering stance, saying, “I have never criticised Tinubu before. You can check all my pronouncements.”
The former spokesman emphasized his belief in Tinubu’s ability to drive positive change, vowing to contribute his efforts toward the President’s success for the betterment of the nation.
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