Interesting times are here for the Labour Party (LP), as one of its shining lights, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has jumped ship and appears to be heading in the direction of another yet-to-be-named party.
Okupe was at a time the director-general of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation before stepping aside.
It is not exactly clear if Okupe’s departure is part of a mass of relocation of a section of its leadership, but he seemed to suggest himself and others were ideological misfits in the party.
In a resignation letter addressed to the LP national chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, Okupe wrote:: “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 burdensomeness whatsoever and for which we were extremely grateful.
“We did contest the election on the platform of the Labour Party and lost. This makes it exceedingly difficult for me to continue to stay in the Labour Party which is ideologically rooted in the left of the center.
“I have been a rightist and a Liberal Democrat all my entire life. 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.
“I wish to thank you in particular and other members of the leadership of the party for the cordiality and respect accorded to me as the Director General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organization.
“I wish you and the party success in your future endeavours. Long live the Labour Party. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your brother, friend and compatriot”.