Former presidential aide Doyin Okupe and publisher Dele Momodu are publicly sparring over political loyalties. Okupe, who helmed the Labour Party’s presidential campaign in 2023, is facing fierce criticism from Momodu for what he describes as Okupe’s “flip-flop” party affiliations.
The feud erupted when Momodu, taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, lambasted Okupe for his ever-changing political allegiances. “My dear Egbon, Dr. Doyin Okupe, I’m more amazed at your flip-flops, Sir. You’re Reno’s senior in engaging in sophistry since your days as Obasanjo’s Spokesman in 1999, till you fell out. You’ve defended almost all governments since then with your eloquence. What has Nigeria gained?” Momodu tweeted directly at Okupe on Friday.
Not stopping there, Momodu continued, boasting about his own political consistency. He claimed, “I’ve been in opposition for the last 42 years. Even the Buhari that I regrettably supported in 2015, I dumped within two months when I saw a total lack of direction, and I’ve apologized profusely and endlessly. I will never defend useless government policies. At our age, we want nothing but good leadership from Nigeria.”
Momodu recounted a bet he made with Okupe during the waning days of the Jonathan administration, saying, “We had a bet of $20k, and you lost. You begged me for debt forgiveness just two years ago at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. You boasted Jonathan couldn’t be defeated, but reality proved otherwise.”
He then criticized Okupe’s recent political maneuvers, pointing out Okupe’s involvement with Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki before aligning with Governor Peter Obi. Momodu mocked, “Like Reno, I acknowledge your brilliance, but only both of you know why Tinubu is your sudden idol. The people of Nigeria have never had it so bad, and you’re defending a profligate government with untenable economic hocus pocus.”
Okupe, however, was not about to take the attacks lying down. He defended his position, stating that his support for the current government stems from a place of patriotism and hope for improvement.
“Both reforms are responsible for the hardship our people are currently experiencing, but I believe it will be temporary judging by the strenuous efforts the government is making towards ameliorating them. This is not praise singing. I may not have had a hand in installing this government, but it is my country, and I am a stakeholder in it.”
Okupe urged Momodu to keep his criticisms rational, mature, and professional. He graciously acknowledged the $20k debt forgiveness, adding a touch of humility to his rebuttal, “I never imagined we could lose that election. However, man proposes, but God Almighty only disposes.”
This heated exchange between two political heavyweights underscores the deep divisions and shifting allegiances that characterize Nigeria’s political landscape. As Okupe and Momodu continue their war of words, one thing is clear: in the world of Nigerian politics, loyalty is a rare commodity.
