Doyin Okupe abandoned by people he helped in 2023, says APC chieftain

Isaac Balami, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, says Doyin Okupe, former presidential media aide, was abandoned by those he helped during the 2023 elections.

Balami, a former member of the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential campaign council in the 2023 poll, spoke at the commendation service for the former presidential aide held over the weekend.

Okupe, a former LP chieftain, died on March 7 in Lagos, aged 72, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

“The only campaign I have ever been involved in where a leader would personally cover financial gaps was under Dr. Okupe,” Balami said.

“He was selfless. If we had N100 million for a campaign event, he would ensure the funds were distributed equitably, and any shortfall — whether 3, 4, or 10 million — he would either raise it or cover it himself.”

Balami lamented that the same people Okupe fought for never checked on him when he was in need.

“For 18 months after the campaign, they never called him, never asked ‘how are you feeling?’ And yet, some of these same people now sit back and accuse him of leaving them for money,” he added.

He also criticised those who continue to “tarnish” Okupe’s name on social media, saying that many of them do not understand the sacrifices he made.

“For the few Obidients insulting him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, they are very ignorant. But he already forgave them, as he forgave everyone who betrayed him,” he said.

“He has done his part, and now it is left to us. In life, whatever you sow, you will reap.”