File photo of Dr. Doyin Okupe
By Douglas Maha, Abuja
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned political strategist and former presidential spokesperson, has sadly passed away at the age of 72. His death, confirmed on Friday, comes with little information about the circumstances at this time.
Okupe was well-known for his influential role in Nigerian politics, having served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity under President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. He was also the driving force behind Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign as its Director-General.
However, Okupe’s career was far from without controversy. In late 2022, he stepped down from Obi’s campaign following a conviction on charges of money laundering.
Subsequently, he distanced himself from the Labour Party in the aftermath of the 2023 elections. He later threw his support behind President Bola Tinubu, becoming an outspoken commentator on Nigerian politics.
Renowned for his direct and often blunt political views, Okupe was both admired and criticized. His ability to navigate Nigeria’s intricate political terrain earned him both respect and notoriety.
Beyond his political endeavors, Okupe was a trained physician and co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre. He also served as the National Publicity Secretary for the National Republican Convention (NRC) and faced political challenges, including detention during the Abacha regime.
He later ran for governor in Ogun State as a candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but was disqualified from the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.
Okupe’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s political scene, regardless of the obstacles he faced along the way.
