At the commendation service for the late Dr. Doyin Okupe on Saturday, Balami Isaac, the former National Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti in the 2023 presidential election, expressed deep disappointment over how the late politician was treated by key figures within the Labour Party in his final days.
Balami, who is an aviation expert and youth activist, lamented that despite Okupe’s immense contributions to the Labour Party and the 2023 presidential campaign, many of the party’s key members deserted him when he needed their support the most. Okupe, who had served as the Director-General of the Obi/Datti presidential campaign, played a crucial role in the political journey of Peter Obi, the party’s candidate.
Balami expressed his disappointment during a heartfelt tribute to Okupe at the service, recounting how Okupe, who had dedicated so much to the party, was abandoned by those he had worked tirelessly for. “When his son was speaking, everything he said was correct except one thing that he did not say very well,” Balami began. “he said when you offend Dr. Doyin Okupe and you genuinely ask for forgiveness, he will forgive you. Dr. Doyin Okupe was in pains — people that he gave his all for deserted him, betrayed him, lied against him — yet he forgave them.”
Balami went on to highlight Okupe’s financial sacrifices during the presidential campaign, recalling how Okupe personally funded parts of the campaign even when the party had funds available. “The only campaign I have ever been to, I was the campaign manager nationwide, and Dr. Okupe was the DG of the campaign,” he explained. “We had N100 million available for that day. Dr. Okupe put all the money on the table, and all the directors would sit and he would distribute the money. After the campaign, he was left in debt. He never went anywhere even though the campaign had billions. He paid for them himself.”
These revelations about Okupe’s financial commitment during the campaign added weight to Balami’s criticism of those who distanced themselves from him following the election. Despite his loyalty, the late politician was left to struggle with mounting health issues without any support from those he had worked with.
Balami said, “He was deserted by the people he worked with. At some point, I reached out on his behalf. They never called him or asked how he was feeling.” His statement was echoed by an individual in the audience, who added, “For two years.” Another person added, “They did not pick (up) his calls.”
Balami also rejected the notion that Okupe’s decision to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 election was financially motivated. According to Balami, Okupe’s reasons for rejoining the APC were more personal and rooted in reconciliation, rather than material gain.
“After a six-hour flight, he crawled to the car after a major surgery. They saw him in pain, but 18 months later, they still never called him. The same people can’t even say a word to acknowledge that he was a good man,” Balami said. This statement served as a critique of those who questioned Okupe’s motives, particularly the few members of the Labour Party who expressed dissatisfaction with his political decisions.
Balami also condemned the online attacks on Okupe’s legacy, particularly from some supporters of the Labour Party, who had taken to social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to insult him. “The few Obidients insulting this man on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are very ignorant,” Balami remarked. “But he already forgave them. He told me and told everybody. Even the ones he expected so much from, he forgave them.”
Despite the betrayal and abandonment he suffered, Balami emphasized that Dr. Okupe remained a man of integrity, who forgave even those who wronged him. His capacity to forgive was evident in his actions, even after he was left to face his health struggles alone. Balami recounted a conversation with Okupe in which he revealed his motivations for returning to the APC: “He told me one day, ‘Balami, I went back because I have seen it all. I went back to reconcile with the people that never hurt me.’”
This statement was a testament to Okupe’s desire for peace and reconciliation, rather than any ulterior political or financial motive. Balami’s comments reflected his admiration for Okupe’s ability to forgive and move on, despite the pain caused by those he once considered allies.
Balami’s tribute painted a picture of a man who, despite his significant contributions to Nigerian politics, was often misunderstood and mistreated by the very people he helped. His health challenges, compounded by the abandonment of his peers, highlighted the often harsh reality that many political figures face once their roles have ended. Okupe, who had served in various political capacities, including as an aide to former Nigerian presidents, endured these personal struggles in silence, far removed from the spotlight he once enjoyed during his active political career.
Throughout his service, Okupe had been a loyal advocate for his party and its causes. Yet, despite his efforts, he found himself isolated in his final years, as some of those he had worked with either distanced themselves or failed to acknowledge his contributions. This treatment, particularly during his health struggles, has left a bitter taste for those who knew him best.
Balami’s remarks also touched on the broader state of Nigerian politics, highlighting the personal toll it takes on those who devote their lives to public service. His reflections on Okupe’s treatment serve as a reminder of how political alliances can shift quickly and how easily individuals can be discarded once their usefulness is perceived to have ended.
The treatment of Dr. Okupe serves as a sobering reflection of the transient nature of political loyalty and the harsh realities faced by those who work behind the scenes to shape the course of a nation. It is a story that many other political figures may relate to, underscoring the need for greater unity, understanding, and respect for the sacrifices made by those who work tirelessly to serve their country.
