Nigerian politician Doyin Okupe claimed that he had told the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that he would not serve in his government if he won the election.
Okupe claimed that he volunteered to be an elder statesman and private adviser to the President.
He said Obi is alive to confirm or refute his assertion.
The former Director-General of Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.
He stated that those insulting him for supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic recovery plan are ignorant.
He argued that his attackers were mere political urchins with a penchant for insulting those who know more than them.
The former presidential spokesman said he had seen enough in the country and that he was not as narrow-minded as his critics.
He said, “I supported Peter Obi out of a commitment to patriotism and nationalistic fervour, not because I don’t know who I am in national politics or where I come from. I told Peter Obi, and we both agreed, that I would not hold any position in his government if he won. Obi is alive, kindly verify. If it is not true, let Obi publicly say that I am lying.”
Okupe added: “Except we join hands together to move this country forward, we will be doing the future generations a huge disservice and adding to the sufferings of the masses.
“The Nigeria project belongs to all of us irrespective of the political party and political leader in power.
“We must, with all sense of patriotism, support whoever God has chosen by His supreme providence to lead.
“After elections, we must shield our swords, criticise government constructively and patiently wait till the next election. That is the culture of true and enduring Democracy.”
The politician said it was regrettable that many young Nigerians abusing elders know nothing or little about Nigeria.
He lamented that those accusing him never considered the risk he took to support Obi against his interests.
Okupe said that he supported Obi based on personal conviction and of his own free will and accord.