Former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo has accused President Tinubu of betrayal and neglect.
In a viral video shared on social media, Dokubo expressed his disappointment, claiming that after supporting Tinubu’s rise to the presidency during the 2023 elections, he feels abandoned.
Dokubo alleged that he invested his own funds to campaign for Tinubu, only to be let down afterward. He stated his intention to form an alliance with the Northern region, indicating plans to distance himself from Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He recalled previously urging Nigerians to hold him accountable for Tinubu’s performance as president, saying, “I apologize to our fathers because they were not wrong in forming an alliance with the North; as young men, we will now pursue that same alliance.”
In a strong statement, Dokubo remarked, “From today, I will work to form an alliance with the North. President Tinubu betrayed me after I emptied my bank account campaigning for him.
The Tinubu I know now is not the same as the one I once knew. We will spread the message that only the Northerners can collaborate with the Ijaw people.”
He expressed his disdain for the Yoruba, stating, “We can’t work with Yoruba people; they have betrayed us. We risked our lives by voting and making sacrifices, and this is what we receive in return?”
In 2023, Dokubo had emphasized his long-standing relationship with Tinubu, asserting that he wasn’t seeking a federal appointment. “I am not a regular politician; I am just a friend of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
I am not looking for an appointment, but those seeking positions made sacrifices and expect me to ensure their efforts are not in vain.”
During a visit from ex-presidential aspirant Tein Jack-Rich, Dokubo reaffirmed his longstanding friendship with Tinubu, which dates back to the early 1990s.
He had previously expressed complete faith in the President’s leadership qualities and his commitment to equity and justice. “I will not do anything that will cause the President pain, and those around me can rest assured that I am indeed a great supporter of the President,” he had stated.
