In a fiery message, former militant leader Asari Dokubo has accused President Bola Tinubu of betraying his trust and support, vowing to realign his political allegiance with northern Nigeria for the upcoming 2027 presidential election. In a widely circulated video, Dokubo shared his frustrations with Tinubu’s administration, claiming he had been sidelined despite his vocal and financial support for Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023.
Dokubo recounted his efforts during the 2023 election season, explaining that he invested heavily in Tinubu’s success, both financially and through public endorsements, even urging Nigerians to hold him accountable should Tinubu not meet expectations as president. Dokubo expressed regret over what he now sees as misplaced trust, noting that he no longer recognized Tinubu as the leader he once knew.
“I apologize to our elders because they weren’t wrong when they formed alliances with the North,” Dokubo said. “I will now follow the path they once took, and I will form an alliance with the North.” He went on to label the Yoruba people as “betrayers” and affirmed his intent to align his Ijaw community interests with the North, asserting, “The Northerners are the only ones we can work with.”
The former leader’s criticisms of Tinubu come as the political climate in Nigeria intensifies, with reports of potential alliances brewing among opposition parties. Political scientist Pat Utomi has previously hinted at efforts to unite key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
