Doyin Okupe, former Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign council, has come out strongly in defense of President Bola Tinubu, warning Nigerians to refrain from insulting him. Okupe emphasized that Tinubu holds a special place in the hearts of the South West people and should be treated with respect.
Okupe’s statement comes at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling due to the policies implemented by the Tinubu administration. The removal of fuel subsidies has led to a significant increase in transport costs, with petrol prices averaging N660 per litre, up from N195 . This has resulted in a surge in inflation, reaching 28.20% in November 2023, and a worsening food security situation.
Despite these challenges, Okupe believes that Tinubu’s policies will eventually yield positive results. He stated, “Tinubu from the South West is the apple of our eyes. He is not doing wrong. If things are not looking well (now) they’ll look well because we know him” ¹.
However, critics argue that the administration’s policies have exacerbated the country’s economic woes. The poverty line in Nigeria has doubled, and the inflation rate remains high, affecting the purchasing power of Nigerians.
As the debate surrounding Tinubu’s policies continues, Okupe’s warning highlights the growing tensions between the administration’s supporters and critics.
