The Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party has accused the Director-General of its national presidential campaign team, Doyin Okupe, of nepotism and diversion of campaign funds for personal use.
This was conveyed in a press conference held by the state chapter of the party in Abeokuta.
The state secretary, Feyisola Michael, asked the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, to halt his state rallies over Mr Okupe’s financial misappropriation.
”Mr Peter Obi, as a matter of urgency, should halt further state rallies as Dr Okupe is just using the campaign money for his own personal aggrandisement and problems he inherited from PDP…” Mr Michael alleged.
He further accused Mr Okupe of nepotism, appointing his family members to the campaign team at the expense of foundational party members. The party scribe asked the national leadership to dissolve the presidential campaign council and reconstitute it to suit ‘federal character’ as enshrined in the country’s law.
“The immediate dissolution of the entire Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council to reflect true further character even at our Ogun state level. To reflect true federal character. Not that Okupe will put his son Segun Okupe, put his sister… That’s not how politics is done,” Mr Michael added.
Mr Okupe did not respond to SMS messages and multiple calls sent to his phone to seek comments on the allegations as at press time.
Mr Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, is not new to corruption allegations. In 2018, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linked him to shady dealings in arms with former National Security Advisor, Sambo Dasuki.
He was arraigned in 2019 on a 59-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja on money laundering and criminal diversion of funds up to the tune of N702 million.