Nigeria’s political space is buzzing with reactions after Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, former Niger Delta militant leader and founder of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, declared that he will no longer support Yoruba politicians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a fresh video shared on social media on Monday, Asari-Dokubo did not hold back his anger. He boldly accused Yoruba politicians and elites of betraying the Ijaw people and turning their backs on those who once stood firmly with them during political battles and elections.
Asari-Dokubo said, “The Yorubas have betrayed us. After all we did, they turned their backs on us.” His words have now sparked heated debates among political observers, party loyalists and people from the Niger Delta region.
The ex-militant explained that for many years, the Ijaw people and other groups in the Niger Delta have supported their Yoruba brothers in the South-West politically. He said they did this hoping that unity and loyalty would be protected. Sadly, according to him, that trust has now been broken.
He added that recent events have made him see that Yoruba politicians do not care about those who supported them when they needed votes and solidarity the most. Asari-Dokubo said he feels that the Yoruba political class has benefited from the Niger Delta’s sacrifices but has not shown the same loyalty in return.
Due to this disappointment, he declared that he will now work with politicians from Northern Nigeria because, according to him, they are more loyal and respectful towards their allies. He said that Northern leaders have shown more consistency and honour than those from the South-West.
He stated, “The past sacrifices made by the Ijaw for the southern solidarity were not reciprocated.” He pointed out that the Ijaw people always stood by the South during elections and fights for fairness in governance. But now, he claims, they have been sidelined and forgotten.
His statement is already causing ripples, with some people supporting his decision while others believe his remarks could worsen ethnic and political divides in the country. Many Nigerians say this is a wake-up call for politicians to honour their promises and treat their supporters with respect, no matter their tribe or region.
Some political analysts think that Asari-Dokubo’s strong words could influence future alliances, especially with elections always around the corner in Nigeria. His loyal followers in the Niger Delta might take his side and switch political camps, shaking up old coalitions.
Others say that no region can survive or achieve good governance if there is no trust and loyalty between allies. They advise that the only way forward is for political leaders to work together truthfully, avoid betrayal, and focus on the real needs of ordinary people like jobs, security and development.
Asari-Dokubo is known for being outspoken and never afraid to challenge powerful people. This latest declaration is another sign that the political space in Nigeria remains unpredictable and full of drama.
It remains to be seen whether President Tinubu or any Yoruba political leader will respond directly to this strong accusation. For now, many Nigerians will watch closely to see what Asari-Dokubo’s next move will be and how it might affect politics in the Niger Delta and beyond.
One thing is clear — when trust is broken in politics, it can take a very long time to rebuild.
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