283
By Oscar Okhifo
Niger Delta leader and traditional ruler, Asari Dokubo, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, pledging to mobilize his influence to ensure the president’s political success.
Dokubo, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State made the declaration during a visit by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to his palace on Tuesday.
He described Tinubu as a longtime friend who had stood by him during his most challenging periods.
“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,” Dokubo said.
“Everything that I am capable of doing, I will do to make sure that he succeeds.”
Dokubo also recounted his longstanding friendship with Tinubu, dating back to the early 1990s, before he became a traditional ruler.
He described the president’s past support as pivotal and said it was now his turn to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Commending Wike for the visit and the minister’s ongoing “thank-you” tour, Dokubo emphasized that his backing of Tinubu stems from personal loyalty and gratitude, rather than political calculations.
Speaking during the visit, Wike noted that his trip was both to thank the people of Degema for past support and to encourage them to back Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The FCT Minister acknowledged that traditional rulers generally stay above partisan politics but stressed that his visit was driven by friendship and mutual respect, not political maneuvering.
Dokubo’s endorsement is seen as a boost for Tinubu in Rivers State, reflecting broader efforts by the “Renewed Hope” Family.