In a recent interview on Arise Television, Doyin Okupe, the former director-general of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, disclosed that both himself and Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, did not share a belief in the party’s ideologies.
Okupe highlighted that the Labour Party served as a temporary vessel solely for the presidential election, emphasizing that it did not align with their core beliefs.
Having parted ways with the Labour Party in January, citing ideological disparities, Okupe indicated that his affiliation with the party ceased following Obi’s election defeat.
Expressing his perspective, Okupe noted, “The LP was essentially a means to an end for us — Peter Obi and I, along with other movement leaders. It was a strategic choice, not a reflection of our personal beliefs.”
Regarding their political stances, Okupe mentioned, “I have never identified as a Labour supporter or aligned with leftist ideologies. We simply required a platform, and the Labour Party was the most accessible option.”
On a pragmatic note, he added, “Our intention was to navigate any differences in ideologies if we had won. Political ideologies are not rigid, and adjustments can be made to find common ground.”
Highlighting Peter Obi’s background, Okupe shared, “Peter Obi is not rooted in the Labour Party or leftist ideologies. He is a trader and businessman, much like myself. Personally, I lean towards liberal democracy and endorse free enterprise.”