Okupe Reflects on Tinubu’s Leadership ‘We Were In Trenches Together’

Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson, has stated that he has never criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu throughout his political career. Reflecting on Tinubu’s political journey, Okupe emphasized that despite their differing political paths, he always believed Tinubu would perform well if elected.

Speaking on Sunday in Lagos, Okupe addressed recent claims that he had once criticized Tinubu but later became one of his supporters. He explained that, following the advice of Yoruba elders, he withdrew his own ambitions before the 2023 elections to support a candidate from the South East in the interest of national unity.

Since the candidate he backed did not win, Okupe saw no reason not to support Tinubu’s presidency and contribute to his success. He praised Tinubu as a patriotic and visionary leader committed to the country’s progress.

Reaffirming his stance, Okupe pointed out that his history in the Labour Party and PDP shows no record of criticizing Tinubu. He recalled their shared experience in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), where they both fought for democracy under great pressure. Okupe stressed that this bond transcends political differences, and reiterated that he had never spoken ill of Tinubu.