Doyin Okupe has withdrawn from the 2023 presidential race.
Glamtush reports that a former spokesman of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Doyin Okupe, has withdrawn from the 2023 presidential race.
This online platform understands that Okupe withdrew to support the ambition of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
He made the announcement on Wednesday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital during a press conference held at the Iwe Iroyin press center.
He said the decision was made in alignment with the directive of elders and urged other aspirants to team up with Peter Obi.
As a politician, Okupe maintained that he would forge ahead with his “unrepentant call for a rotation of power to the South.”
“I turned 70 years a few days ago, and I have made a covenant with my maker that for the rest of my life, I shall uphold this spirit and principles of our forebears as manifestly displayed and represented in our collective socio-political heritage – THE AFENIFERE.
“Two weeks ago, Pa Ayo Adebanjo called me for the first time into his bedroom and admonished me that no matter what circumstances we Yorubas find ourselves in the ever gyrating political circus of Nigeria, I must uphold the truth and follow the path of equity and justice.
“In aligning myself with the wish of our elders and in the interest of equity and justice, I publicly admit that the 2023 political race must be conceded to the South-East; that is, the Igbos.
“I, therefore, now proclaim that I am, as I have said publicly several times, withdrawing from the presidential race and I am declaring my support for the best aspirant not only in Igboland, but in Nigeria as a whole.
“I and my supporters within and outside the PDP are teaming up with His Excellency, Peter Obi.
“At the same time, I want to enjoin all other aspirants from the South; Chief Dele Momodu, Senator Anyim, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike to come with me and let us team up with Peter Obi. So we can give the South the best possible chance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not fanning the embers of division, rather I am by this action lightening the torch of unity by establishing political stability on the pillars of truth and justice upon which the Bible tells us that even the throne of the Almighty God is founded,” Okupe submitted.
Okupe called for the adherence to the principle and dictate of the zoning system and urged other presidential aspirants under the People’s Democratic Party to join the presidential aspiration of the former governor in the interest of fairness, justice, and equity.
Okupe was a former aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was also the former national publicity secretary of the National Republican Convention.
