Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday withdrew from the 2023 presidential race, throwing his weight behind Peter Obi, another PDP aspirant.
Though, Okupe has yet to obtain his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, he was among the first set of members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that declared their ambition for 2023 Presidency under the party.
Mr Okupe announced his withdrawal during a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
Stating that the leadership of the PDP, was not handling the issue of zoning concerning the party’s presidential ticket well.
He added that, It is clear to him that those at the helm of affairs of the party are trying to hoodwink aspirants from the South to commit themselves to obtain the requisite forms before coming up with the original position that ‘every zone can contest the presidency.’
“This position is politically fraudulent, unjust and inequitable” He said.
Okupe added, “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.”
He then expressed his withdrawal from the presidential race and declared his 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” he said.
Read also: https://www.herald.ng/peter-obi-declares-interest-in-2023-presidency/
At the same time, he enjoined all other aspirants from the South, Chief Dele Momodu, Senator Pius Anyim, and His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike to come with him and team up with Peter Obi. So they can give the South the best possible chance.
The former aspirant said though, the zoning was alien to Nigeria’s constitution, he noted that the principle, had been the driving force since the advent of the Fourth Republic.