Former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has attributed the wave of defections from the Labour Party (LP) to its failure to establish a solid political structure after the general elections.
He also suggested that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, might consider leaving the party.
Speaking in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Okupe explained that the lack of an enduring foundation has made it difficult for the party to retain members, especially those in the National Assembly.
Six LP lawmakers recently switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Matthew (Kaduna), Akiba Bassey (Cross River), and Esosa Iyawe (Edo).
Okupe noted that many party members had joined the LP because it served as a platform for those who couldn’t secure nominations in major political parties.
He argued that without a strong structure, many elected officials and members saw little incentive to remain in the party.
“The Labour Party was essentially a refuge for sidelined politicians. After the elections, the leadership failed to consolidate, making it unsurprising that members are seeking political survival elsewhere,” he said.
Reacting to allegations that he had previously criticized President Bola Tinubu but now supports him, Okupe denied ever opposing the President.
He highlighted his history of mutual respect with Tinubu during their days in the pro-democracy NADECO movement, stating, “I have never criticized Tinubu in my career.
“Our shared experiences during NADECO created a bond beyond political rivalry.”
Okupe added that his support for Tinubu stems from his belief that the President could perform well in office.
However, he clarified that his decision to back Peter Obi in 2023 was based on advice from Yoruba elders to support a South-East candidate for national unity.
The possibility of Obi leaving LP has also drawn criticism from LP officials, with Oyo State Chairman Tunji Sadiq dismissing Okupe’s authority to comment on Obi’s political plans.
Sadiq stated, “Okupe is no longer a member of our party and cannot speak for Obi or predict his political decisions.”
Meanwhile, reports of mass defections to the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) continue to raise questions about LP’s future as a political force in Nigeria.