2023: Obasanjo Fully Supporting Obi/Datti Campaign – Osuntokun

The newly appointed Director General (DG) of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the Labour Party (LP), Akin Osuntokun has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is “fully” in support of the 2023 campaign for the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

This comes barely 24 hours after the LP announced the former presidential aide as its new presidential campaign DG, as a result of the resignation of Doyin Okupe whom a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 19 found guilty of violating the Money Laundering Act.

Speaking on the former president’s close relationship with him and Okupe, Osuntokun said, “He is a father figure. That’s a better description of the relationship. He’s a father figure to us, not an ‘ally.’ Assuming that what you are saying is correct, am I not qualified for the job? Am I not competent for it?”

When asked if his appointment was based on the recommendation of the former president, Osuntokun said, “You’ll have to ask the presidential candidate, my principal, whether it was an Obasanjo slot and that was how the position was filled.

“Don’t forget that I was the immediate zonal coordinator of the campaign in South-West, so this is essentially an elevation. It is not that I’m just joining the campaign organisation, but if you say that it’s Obasanjo’s slot, people have different perceptions and you’re at liberty to say so.”

The campaign DG noted that the focus should not be on who is behind his appointment, but what he brings to the table.

He said, “Forget about who recommended me or whether I’m filling the slot of somebody. That is not an issue. It’s my capacity and competence to do the job that matters most. If Obasanjo recommends a very competent person who will lead the party to victory, why should I have any issues with that. For me, it’s a non-issue.”