Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has accused the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, of hypocrisy and abandoning former presidential aide, Doyin Okupe, during a time of personal crisis. Omokri, who has had his share of public feuds, directed serious allegations against Obi, claiming that he turned his back on Okupe when the latter was battling cancer, despite publicly claiming to have helped him.
Omokri, in a scathing statement, claimed that while Obi pretended to be supportive of Dr. Okupe, especially during his medical battle, the reality was quite different. According to Omokri, when Okupe was seriously ill, Obi did not provide any form of assistance, neither financially nor emotionally. Omokri further alleged that Obi failed to even acknowledge Okupe when they were both on the same flight returning from Israel after the Gaza war broke out, adding that Obi passed by Okupe without a word of greeting, even though Okupe’s wife was reportedly a witness to this cold encounter.
The heart of Omokri’s accusation is that Peter Obi, while publicly stating that he helped Dr. Okupe during his illness, actually did nothing to support the former presidential aide. According to Omokri, Dr. Okupe, who was suffering from cancer, reached out to Obi, but received no assistance. Instead, Omokri claims that Okupe sold his personal assets to fund his medical treatments, while friends and associates of Okupe raised money to support him.
Omokri went on to suggest that Obi, who was well aware of the financial struggles Okupe faced, did not contribute in any way, despite the fact that Okupe had once publicly supported Obi’s political ambitions. Omokri even alleged that Obi’s actions caused significant emotional distress to Okupe, to the extent that the former presidential aide regretted ever supporting Obi, describing it as his “greatest error of judgment.”
In a direct appeal to the media, Omokri encouraged journalists to contact the Okupe family to verify his claims. He boldly offered to provide the family’s contact information to any reputable media organization seeking to confirm the allegations. Omokri also emphasized that he has documented proof, including recorded statements from Dr. Okupe himself, which he claims show the extent of Obi’s neglect during a critical time in Okupe’s life.
This public accusation is particularly damaging to Peter Obi, who has gained considerable popularity in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially among young voters, due to his reformist rhetoric and stance on good governance. The Labour Party candidate has positioned himself as a leader who is morally upright, committed to fighting corruption, and caring for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. The allegations from Omokri, if proven true, would seriously undermine Obi’s carefully crafted public image.
Omokri, who has been known for his outspoken views and criticism of political figures, has also warned that if Obi denies the allegations, he will be exposed with irrefutable evidence. According to Omokri, the truth will expose Obi as a hypocrite, someone who used Dr. Okupe’s support to further his own political career, only to abandon him when he needed help the most.
This kind of political infighting and accusation of neglect is not new in Nigerian politics, where leaders often face scrutiny for their personal relationships and how they manage them, especially when public figures are involved in sensitive matters. However, the personal nature of Omokri’s allegations adds an emotional and controversial dimension to the political rivalry between him and Obi.
Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential aide under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, was known for his political influence and extensive work within Nigeria’s political circles. As a senior member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Okupe was highly regarded for his strategic thinking and as an advisor to the former president. However, his personal struggles with health have been well-documented, particularly his battle with cancer, which became a focal point for many of his supporters.
His battle with illness also highlighted the often unseen challenges faced by public figures in Nigeria, particularly when they find themselves in need of help. It is against this backdrop that Omokri’s allegations of neglect have struck a chord, as it paints a picture of a man who was not only dealing with personal health issues but also the emotional weight of betrayal from someone he had supported in the past.
Dr. Okupe passed away in the midst of his fight against cancer, leaving behind a complex legacy in Nigerian politics. Despite his controversies and ties to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Okupe was remembered by many for his intelligence, dedication to public service, and willingness to advocate for his beliefs.
In the wake of his passing, many have expressed condolences and spoken highly of his contributions to Nigerian politics. However, Omokri’s public accusations against Peter Obi raise questions about how publicly supportive relationships among political elites are tested when personal crises emerge. What is clear, though, is that Doyin Okupe’s death has reignited old political wounds, with some claiming that his support for certain politicians may have been misguided, considering the alleged betrayal he experienced in his final years.
This dispute comes at a time when Nigerian politics is highly charged, with the 2023 presidential election still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians. Peter Obi, who ran as a third-party candidate in the election, has remained a central figure in Nigeria’s political discourse. His policies on anti-corruption and governance have earned him significant support, particularly among younger Nigerians who are eager for change. However, Omokri’s accusations threaten to undermine the trust that many have placed in Obi’s integrity.
