Former presidential spokesperson Doyin Okupe has said Nigerians are unfairly criticizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Okupe, who was general manager of Peter Obi’s campaign under Labor in the 2023 presidential election, expressed support for Tinubu’s reforms, saying they were essential for the country’s survival.
Mr Okupe revealed on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday that he met President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday and praised the economic policies of his administration.
“In my assessment, the president is doing very well,” he said, noting that while the current economic challenges are severe, it is necessary to prevent the country from collapsing.
Okupe, who supported Peter Obi during the election, acknowledged that “the better person won” and stressed that Tinubu’s policies, although difficult, were aimed at stabilizing the country in the long run.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient, adding that transformative progress often requires sacrifice and tough decisions.
The former campaign chief’s remarks came as the nation continues to grapple with high inflation, subsidy removal and other economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Mr Okupe said Mr Tinubu should be given more time as he has only been in office for 17 months.
“How much can he (Tinubu) do in just 17 months?” asked Okupe.
He defended Mr Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying: “I am sure that if this gentleman is given an understanding, things will be better.”
“The talk is cheap,” Okupe added, taking jabs at Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “None of the other two candidates can do what Mr. Tinubu can do.”
