Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, has made a surprising claim that he has never criticized President Bola Tinubu throughout his political career. According to Okupe, there is no record of him criticizing Tinubu, despite never being under the same political umbrella ¹.
Okupe's statement is quite remarkable, given his long history in Nigerian politics. He has been involved with various political parties, including the Labour Party and the People's Democratic Party (PDP). As a former National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Okupe has had a prominent voice in Nigerian politics ¹.
Okupe's relationship with Tinubu dates back to their time in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Although they were not in the same political party, Okupe claims they had a "very serious, not-so-visible bond" during that period.
It's worth noting that Okupe's claim of never criticizing Tinubu is not entirely supported by historical records. In 2013, Okupe was involved in a public spat with Tinubu, with Okupe calling Tinubu "ignorant and mischievous" ². However, it's possible that Okupe's statement was taken out of context or that he has since reevaluated his stance on Tinubu.
Regardless of the accuracy of Okupe's claim, his statement highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics. With its intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and shifting allegiances, Nigerian politics can be difficult to navigate.
Okupe's statement also raises questions about the nature of political criticism in Nigeria. Is it possible for politicians to disagree without being disagreeable? Can politicians maintain a level of respect and civility, even when they disagree on fundamental issues?
As Nigeria continues to evolve and grow, these are important questions to consider. By examining the complexities of Nigerian politics and the relationships between its key players, we can gain a deeper understanding of the country's political landscape.
*The Significance of Okupe's Statement*
Okupe's statement is significant for several reasons:
- *It highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics*: Okupe's claim of never criticizing Tinubu, despite being in different political parties, underscores the intricate nature of Nigerian politics.
- *It raises questions about political criticism*: Okupe's statement challenges the notion that politicians must always be at odds with each other. Can politicians maintain a level of respect and civility, even when they disagree?
- *It provides insight into Okupe's character*: Okupe's claim of never criticizing Tinubu suggests that he values civility and respect in politics. However, his past statements contradicting Tinubu also indicate that he is not afraid to speak his mind.
*Conclusion*
Doyin Okupe's claim of never criticizing President Bola Tinubu is a significant statement that highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics. While the accuracy of Okupe's claim is disputed, his statement raises important questions about the nature of political criticism in Nigeria. As the country continues to evolve and grow, it's essential to examine the relationships between its key political players and to consider the implications of their statements and actions.