by Ola Williams-
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a seasoned political strategist and former presidential spokesperson, has passed away at the age of 72. His death was confirmed on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Okupe, a key figure in Nigerian politics, served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and later as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. His political journey saw several twists, including his resignation from Obi’s campaign in December 2022 following a money laundering conviction.
In reaction to his passing, former President Goodluck Jonathan expressed deep sorrow, describing Okupe as “a dedicated public servant who played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.”
A close associate of Okupe, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “He was a fearless strategist, never afraid to speak his mind, even when it put him at odds with political heavyweights.”
Despite his legal and political battles, Okupe remained an active voice in national discourse. After the 2023 elections, he resigned from the Labour Party and later threw his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration. His bold stance on political issues often placed him at the center of controversy, but his influence remained undeniable.
Reacting to the news, political analyst Jide Ojo remarked, “Okupe was a man of many political seasons. He reinvented himself time and again, proving his resilience in Nigeria’s ever-evolving political space.”
His contributions to Nigerian politics, both as a spokesperson and strategist, leave a lasting legacy.
