ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barr. Julius Abura, Dr. Doyin Okupe has announced his resignation from the party on 8 January, 2024, citing ideological differences as the sole reason for his decision.
Okupe, a former Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization, expressed gratitude for the platform provided by the Labour Party during the 2023 Presidential Elections.
He made this known on his Twitter handle on 8 January, 2024, saying. “Today I resigned my membership from #LabourParty solely on ideological grounds, I have neither grouse or guile against anyone either within the leadership or membership of the party.”
Okupe acknowledged the cordiality and respect accorded to him by the party’s leadership but highlighted the ideological conflict arising from his lifelong stance as a rightist and Liberal Democrat.
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Having contested the election on the Labour Party’s platform and facing defeat, Okupe found it challenging to align with the party’s left-of-center ideology.
In his letter, he stated, “I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life.
“I submit herewith my letter of resignation from the Labour Party with effect from today.
“You will recall that our flagbearer, Mr Peter Obi, myself and others left the PDP abruptly and had to look for a Special Purpose Vehicle in which to contest the 2023 Presidential Elections The Labour Party, your good self, and other members of your executives provided us with this veritable platform with no burdensome whatsoever and for which we were extremely grateful.
“It is therefore this ideological conflict that makes me seek an exit so that I may continue my political activities with liberalism, sincerity, and freedom.”
Despite the resignation, Okupe extended his best wishes to the Labour Party and its leadership, expressing hope for their success in future endeavors.
The letter concluded with a patriotic note, “Long live the Labour Party. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”