In a significant political realignment, key figures and groups in Nigeria's South-South region have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu's anticipated re-election campaign for the 2027 presidential polls. The endorsements emerged from separate high-level meetings in Bayelsa and Rivers states, signaling growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region.
Bayelsa APC Unites Behind Tinubu Under Diri's Leadership
Governor Douye Diri convened a special stakeholders meeting of the APC in Bayelsa State on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The gathering, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, marked the governor's first expanded meeting since he joined and became the leader of the party in the state in October 2025.
The motion to endorse President Tinubu for a second term was formally moved by the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson. It received a swift seconding from a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and former deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.
The well-attended event saw the presence of top party chieftains and appointees, including the Chairman of the new state caretaker committee, Dr. Dennis Otiotio; Senator representing Bayelsa East, Benson Agadaga; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Sam Ogbuku. Also present were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, and the South-South ex-officio member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Godbless Diriware.
Governor Diri expressed his delight at the show of unity, describing the Bayelsa APC as "one big family" now resolved to work together to secure another term for President Tinubu. He urged members to embrace forgiveness and humility, rising above divisive politics for the sake of the state's peace and development.
Diri also advised those nursing ambitions for political offices in the next election to temporarily shelve them, emphasizing the need for consultation and playing by the rules within the party.
Asari-Dokubo and Rivers Elders Pledge Loyalty
In a parallel development, former Niger Delta militant leader and activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has pledged his support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
Now a paramount ruler in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, Asari-Dokubo made the pledge when Minister Wike paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Degema. He expressed deep appreciation for Wike's steadfast support during difficult periods of his life, stating it was time to reciprocate the loyalty.
"As far back as 1992, I did not imagine I would be what I am today. You are my friend, and whatever is going to happen, I will stand by you to ensure success," Asari-Dokubo recalled of his past struggles.
Wike explained that his visit was part of a sensitization effort to inform the people of his political family's decision to back Tinubu's re-election. This sentiment was echoed by the Rivers Elders Council, which also endorsed Tinubu for a second term under the platform of the "Renewed Hope Family" initiative championed by Wike.
The council's Chairman, Ferdinand Alabraba, formally declared the endorsement during Wike's "thank-you" visit to the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of the state.
Implications for the 2027 Political Landscape
The coalescing of support from these influential quarters in the South-South represents a strategic boost for President Tinubu's political machinery. The endorsement by Governor Diri, a recent defector from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), underscores the ongoing reconfiguration of political loyalties in the region.
The involvement of figures like Asari-Dokubo and the formal backing of the Rivers Elders Council suggest a concerted effort to consolidate the APC's base in the Niger Delta. These moves are likely to shape the dynamics of party politics and campaign strategies as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
