Dr. Doyin Okupe, a prominent Nigerian politician and former presidential spokesperson, passed away on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.
Okupe, who served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and was the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign, left behind a legacy of political activism and public service.
Here are 10 key things to know about his life and career:
1. Early Life & Education: Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe attended St. Jude’s School and Igbobi College before earning a degree from the University of Ibadan.
2. Medical Career: Before venturing into politics, Okupe worked at St. Nicholas Hospital and co-founded the Royal Cross Medical Centre, where he served as Managing Director.
3. Political Beginnings: Okupe’s political journey began in 1983 when he contested a House of Representatives seat under the National Party of Nigeria. He later became the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention in the 1990s.
4. Presidential Aide: Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
5. Detention & Political Setbacks: In 1996, he was detained under General Sani Abacha’s regime and was later disqualified from the United Nigeria Congress Party primaries in 1998.
6. Party Affiliations & Campaign Roles: Okupe played significant roles in campaigns for Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Bukola Saraki, and Atiku Abubakar, shifting between the PDP, Accord Party, and Labour Party over the years.
7. EFCC Probe: In 2012, Okupe faced an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of unexecuted contracts in Benue and Imo states.
8. Family & Personal Life: Okupe was married to Aduralere Okupe and was a father to two children.
9. Health Challenges: In 2020, Okupe and his wife survived COVID-19, showcasing his resilience in the face of personal health challenges.
10. Final Political Involvement: In 2023, Okupe was initially chosen as Peter Obi’s running mate under the Labour Party but stepped down to allow a substantive vice-presidential candidate to be selected.
