Emilokan: I Hold No Grudge Against Peter Obi, But I Must Speak Honestly – Okupe

Emilokan: I Hold No Grudge Against Peter Obi, But I Must Speak Honestly – Okupe Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson, has affirmed that he cannot speak negatively about Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP). In an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday, Okupe expressed his emotional connection to Obi, stating that he played a significant role in Obi’s political journey and cannot undermine what he has helped to build.

Addressing recent comments made by Obi concerning President Bola Tinubu’s “emi lokan” slogan, Okupe clarified that he did not intend to attack Obi but felt compelled to speak the truth regarding the matter.

He criticized Obi’s interpretation of the slogan, asserting that it misrepresented the context in which Tinubu used it. “When Bola Tinubu said ’emi lokan,’ he was not addressing the nation or speaking at a rally; he was appealing to APC delegates in Ogun State to secure their votes at the party convention,” Okupe explained.

Okupe stated, “I cannot hate Peter Obi; I feel a deep attachment to him. He was my project, and I am one of those who helped him rise politically. I cannot publicly denigrate that or bring down what we built together.” He also emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully, especially when it involves the Yoruba community, of which he is a proud elder statesman.

Reflecting on his perspective, he noted, “If I cannot speak the truth at my age, then what is the point of living? What Peter Obi said about Yoruba people regarding the ’emi lokan’ comment was simply wrong.”

It’s worth mentioning that Okupe served as the director of Peter Obi’s presidential campaign until he stepped down following a court ruling that found him guilty of money laundering. He subsequently resigned from the Labour Party after the election.