The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has accepted the resignation of Dr. Doyin Okupe from his role as Director-General of his campaign.
Okupe resigned via a letter dated Tuesday, December 20 and addressed to Obi.
His resignation followed his conviction and sentencing by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday for breaching the Money Laundering Act.
The judge convicted the former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on 26 of 59 counts preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was sentenced to two years in prison, with an option of N500,000 fine on each of the 26 counts.
In the wake of the conviction, Obi’s supporters early Tuesday called on him to sever ties with Okupe.
Okupe’s resignation letter was made available to the media hours later.
Reacting to Okupe’s resignation, Obi said, “My Dear Elder Brother Doyin, I received your letter offering to step aside in order to avoid any distraction to the good work of trying to forge a new direction for our country, on board of which you have been from inception. It is a decision which I respect.
“The story of this historic effort, which has galvanised millions of our countrymen, particularly our youths, cannot be complete without mentioning your commitment, dedication, and the boundless energy that you brought to bear.
“It is my sincere hope that our legal system will afford you an opportunity to eventually clear your name.”