The Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, Tunde Rahman, has revealed that the late Dr. Doyin Okupe had set up an office and assembled a team to work for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 before his passing.
Speaking at a Service of Songs held in Okupe’s honour at Trinity House, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, Rahman disclosed that Okupe took the step because he believed strongly in Tinubu’s policies and vision for Nigeria.
Rahman, who represented the president at the event, described Okupe’s death as a significant loss not only to Tinubu but also to the political class and the nation at large.
“Dr. Doyin Okupe’s death is a personal loss to President Tinubu. It is also a personal loss to the nation and particularly to the political class because Dr. Okupe was an erudite politician, a political strategist, and a communication expert,” Rahman stated.
He further noted that, despite their different political alignments, Okupe and Tinubu shared deep mutual respect and admiration for each other.
“Dr. Okupe was determined to work for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to the extent that he set up an office and a team to work for Mr. President in 2027. He did this because he believed the president was on a redemption mission. He believed his policies and ideas were very timely, and they were taken to save the nation,” he added.
Also paying tribute to Okupe, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described him as a statesman, a seasoned public affairs commentator, and a dedicated public servant whose impact on Nigeria’s political landscape spanned decades.
“Dr. Doyin Okupe-Agbonmagbe was a distinguished statesman, a seasoned public affairs commentator, and a dedicated public servant whose contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape span several decades. His unwavering commitment to democracy, governance, and national development is across party lines,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
He further praised Okupe’s intellect and dedication, saying, “He was a distinguished Nigerian, an astute politician, and a gentleman. He advocated for a better Nigeria. He lived a life of dedication and service to humanity.
“I have been an admirer of him for over three decades, but we became closer in the last five years. He lived a good life. He was a trusted man. For me, it was not just about politics; it was about the shared knowledge, level of intellect, and his deep understanding of what a complete Omoluabi is that truly endeared me to him.”
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro; publisher of Ovation magazine, Chief Dele Momodu; members of the Lagos State cabinet; and religious and political leaders.
Okupe, who hailed from Iperu-Remo in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State, passed away on March 7 in Lagos at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.
