Asari Dokubo, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, has pledged to support the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 despite the initial fallout between both men.
Asari Dokubo made the pledge on Tuesday, when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, visited him in his palace in Degema.
Commending Mr Wike for the visit, Mr Dokubo explained that Mr Tinubu stood by him in his time of need, stressing that “it is time to return the favour.”
“Like you said, my friend, everything that is going to happen, I will be with you in making sure that my friend, the president, succeeds.
“Everything that I am capable of doing, I will do to make sure that he succeeds.
“I was not a traditional ruler when we met in 1992. I never thought I would ever become what I am today.
“He stood by me in my most difficult period, and it is now my turn to also stand by him and also support him,” he said, without giving details of the support he received from Mr Tinubu.
Asari Dokubo’s Earlier Fallout With Tinubu
Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader and founder of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force was a major supporter of Tinububu during the 2023 elections before tensions escalated when Asari-Dokubo accused the Tinubu administration of sidelining him, reneging on informal understandings, and failing to adequately address Niger Delta grievances, particularly around security, resource control, and political inclusion.
The situation deteriorated further after security agencies reportedly restricted his movements and influence, prompting Asari-Dokubo to issue public criticisms of Tinubu, including statements interpreted as threats to withdraw loyalty and mobilise resistance.
Judging by recent events, both men seem to have addressed the issue leading to the promise of support for president Tinubu’s reeelction from the former militant leader.
