By CHIDI MATTHEW NWACHUKWU

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has mourned the demise, on Friday morning, of his erstwhile campaign manager, Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to one-time President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Obi took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to express shock over the news of the passing of the one-time Labour Party chieftain who was part of his 2023 campaign train, and who played a major role in mobilising voters for the Labour Party.

?With great sadness this morning, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of the family and the Obidient family, I sincerely mourn his passing,? stated Obi.

Obi hailed Okupe?s virtues as one Nigerian who desired a better Nigeria, and added that the deceased nationalist would be sorely missed, not just by his family, but by the entire nation.

?Dr. Okupe was an active figure in the nation?s political space and a man who desired a better Nigeria.

?His death is a profound loss ? not only to his family and loved ones but to all of us,? stated Obi.

And calling on the Obidient Family and other Nigerians to pray for a peaceful repose of the deceased, Obi prayed for the family left behind by Okupe, that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

?I would therefore like to urge members of the Obidient Movement and other groups to pray for the eternal repose of Dr. Okupe?s soul and to remember his family during these trying times.

?May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad and irreplaceable loss.

?May God Almighty bless his family always,? prayed Obi.