A former presidential spokesman under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Doyin Okupe believes Nigerians calling President Bola Tinubu T-pain means ‘temporary pain’.
Okupe said he understands their plight but also expressed confidence that they will support Tinubu in his bid for a second term as the president, enabling him to fulfil the maximum eight-year term allowed by the Nigerian constitution.
On a lighter note, the ex-aide to Buhari also noted that T-Pain, a nickname former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has in recent times called Tinubu since it first trended on social media, means Temporary Pain.
T-Pain, the stage name of American rapper Faheem Rashad Najm, actually means Tahallase Pain.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, on Monday, Okupe stressed the unspoken rotational presidency agreement between Nigeria’s southern and northern regions, suggesting it would favour Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He pointed to his former principal, Buhari, who served from 2015 to 2023 and completed his tenure despite not meeting expectations, as a precedent.
In contrast, Okupe contended that Tinubu, whom he described as “doing well,” deserves to serve a full two terms. “Nigerians will decide so. I am sure. Nigerians are reasonable, sensible people, not demanding too much from their leaders,” he asserted, conveying optimism about Tinubu’s popularity.
Okupe believes that if Tinubu can address pressing issues such as power supply, fuel shortages, and food crises before the next election, he will garner overwhelming public support.
“If Bola Tinubu gives us light in 2027 and resolves this fuel crisis and this food crisis between now and that time, you’ll see that people will go on the streets and say it’s Bola or nobody,” he stated confidently.
Reflecting on the social media nickname “T-Pain” given to Tinubu, Okupe interpreted it positively, suggesting that the “temporary pain” currently felt by Nigerians would ultimately lead to significant improvements in the country.
“T-Pain means temporary pain that will lead to an extensive, pleasant, and something good for the nation,” he remarked.
Okupe, who previously supported Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, reiterated his belief that Tinubu’s administration would gain public approval if key challenges are addressed, paving the way for a successful campaign for a second term in 2027.
