10 key facts about late Doyin Okupe

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a veteran politician and former presidential spokesperson, has passed away at the age of 72.

The news of his death on March 7, 2025, has sparked tributes from political figures and Nigerians who remember his decades-long contributions to governance and public affairs.

Okupe, who served as a senior adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and was the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, had a career spanning medicine, politics, and media. Below are ten key facts about his life and achievements:

1. Early Life & Education – Born on March 22, 1952, in Iperu, Ogun State, Okupe had his early education at St. Jude’s School and Igbobi College before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he trained as a medical doctor.

2. Medical Career – Before delving into politics, he practiced medicine at St. Nicholas Hospital and later co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre, where he served as Managing Director.

3. Entry into Politics – His political journey began in 1983 when he contested for a House of Representatives seat under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). By the 1990s, he had become the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

4. Presidential Media Roles – Okupe held key media advisory roles under two Nigerian presidents—he was Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

5. Detention & Political Setbacks – In 1996, during General Sani Abacha’s military regime, Okupe was detained. Two years later, he was disqualified from contesting the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries.

6. Party Affiliations & Campaign Roles – Throughout his political career, Okupe worked on presidential campaigns for Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Bukola Saraki, and Atiku Abubakar. He was a member of several political parties, including the PDP, Accord Party, and Labour Party.

7. EFCC Investigation – In 2012, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated Okupe over alleged uncompleted contracts in Benue and Imo states.

8. Family & Personal Life – He was married to Aduralere Okupe and was a father to two children.

9. Health Challenges – Okupe and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 but later recovered.

10. Final Political Engagement – In 2023, he was initially announced as Peter Obi’s running mate under the Labour Party before stepping down for a permanent vice-presidential candidate.

Okupe’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, as he was known for his outspoken nature and deep involvement in political strategy. His contributions to national discourse and governance will be remembered.