Former presidential spokesperson and prominent Nigerian political figure Dr. Doyin Okupe died on Friday at the age of 72, bringing to close a remarkable career that spanned medicine, politics, and public service across multiple administrations. His death marks the end of a storied journey through Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where he served presidents, championed campaigns, and frequently found himself at the center of national political discourse.
Okupe gained national prominence during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, where he served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, crafting communication strategies during a critical period of Nigeria’s democratic transition. His political influence extended into President Goodluck Jonathan’s government, where as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, he became known for his spirited defense of administration policies and forceful engagement with opposition figures.
Beyond his roles in established administrations, Okupe made headlines more recently as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign under the Labour Party banner. His leadership during this period represented one of the most visible phases of his career, as the campaign generated unprecedented momentum, particularly among younger voters seeking alternatives to traditional political structures.
However, Okupe’s trajectory was marked by significant controversies that complicated his political legacy. In December 2022, he resigned from Obi’s campaign following a conviction on money laundering charges – a development that created substantial ripples across Nigeria’s political landscape. This legal challenge, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence with option of fine, represented one of several contentious moments in his decades-long career.
Following the 2023 election, Okupe’s political evolution continued with his resignation from the Labour Party amid post-election tensions. In a move that surprised many who had followed his career, he subsequently became an outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration – a transition that generated considerable debate regarding political principles and pragmatism in Nigeria’s complex governance environment.
Before entering the political arena, Okupe had established himself as a medical professional, co-founding Royal Cross Medical Centre and building a reputation in healthcare before transitioning to public service. This medical background informed his approach to governance issues throughout his career, particularly on matters related to public health policy.
Okupe’s early political involvement included serving as National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) during Nigeria’s truncated Third Republic. This period established his credentials as a skilled communicator capable of articulating complex political positions to diverse audiences – a talent that would define much of his subsequent career.
His political journey was not without persecution. Under General Sani Abacha’s military regime, Okupe experienced detention – an experience shared by many political figures who later emerged as key players in Nigeria’s eventual return to democratic governance. Following the restoration of civilian rule, he pursued gubernatorial ambitions in Ogun State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), though these efforts did not culminate in electoral success.
Political analysts have noted that Okupe’s career embodied the complexities and contradictions often present in Nigerian politics. Professor Ibrahim Hassan of the Centre for Democratic Development commented: “Dr. Okupe represented a particular type of Nigerian political figure – technically skilled, intellectually capable, and adaptable to changing political circumstances. His willingness to work across different administrations and parties reflected both pragmatism and the fluid nature of Nigeria’s political alignments.
Throughout his public life, Okupe became known for his distinctive communication style – direct, occasionally confrontational, and unapologetically passionate. These qualities earned him both admirers who appreciated his clarity and critics who questioned his political consistency. His media appearances typically generated significant public response, as he rarely hesitated to address controversial topics with characteristic frankness.
Former colleagues have begun offering tributes highlighting Okupe’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. A former presidential aide who worked alongside Okupe during the Jonathan administration noted: “Whatever one’s political views, Dr. Okupe’s commitment to public discourse cannot be questioned. He believed in the importance of articulating government positions clearly and forcefully, even when facing intense criticism.”
Beyond his political identity, associates have described Okupe as deeply invested in mentorship, frequently advising younger politicians on navigating Nigeria’s complex governance structures. This aspect of his legacy continues through numerous political figures who benefited from his guidance throughout their careers.
Health policy experts have also acknowledged Okupe’s contributions at the intersection of medicine and governance. Dr. Folashade Ogunmekan of the Nigerian Medical Association noted: “Dr. Okupe was part of a generation of medical professionals who transitioned into governance with the goal of improving systems from within. While political circumstances often complicated these aspirations, his understanding of healthcare challenges informed many policy conversations.
As Nigeria processes the news of his passing, Okupe’s legacy seems destined to generate continued discussion regarding the nature of political service, the challenges of maintaining consistent principles within evolving political environments, and the complex pathways through which professionals contribute to national development.
His journey from physician to presidential spokesperson to campaign director and beyond reflects the multifaceted careers that often characterize Nigeria’s political class. As tributes continue emerging from across the political spectrum, the diversity of responses highlights how Okupe’s impact transcended simple categorization, leaving behind a legacy as complex and dynamic as Nigeria’s democratic evolution itself.
