Former Niger Delta militant leader and founder of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has announced he will withdraw his support from Yoruba politicians, citing betrayal and broken promises.
In a video posted on social media Monday, Dokubo declared his intention to realign politically with Northern Nigeria’s leadership, whom he described as more trustworthy than their Yoruba counterparts.
The ex-militant leader accused Yoruba politicians and elites of abandoning their Niger Delta allies after securing political benefits from the partnership.
“The Yorubas have betrayed us. After all we did, they turned their backs on us,” Dokubo stated in the video.
He argued that recent political developments and what he views as disloyalty from the South-West have prompted him to seek strategic partnerships with Northern leaders, who he claims demonstrate greater consistency and respect.
Dokubo emphasized that the sacrifices made by the Ijaw people for southern political unity were not reciprocated, leaving his community marginalized despite their contributions.
“The past sacrifices made by the Ijaw for southern solidarity were not reciprocated,” he explained, referencing historical political cooperation during elections and governance struggles where the Ijaw supported broader southern interests.
The statement represents a significant shift in Dokubo’s political positioning and highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s complex ethnic and regional political landscape.
