“We [Ijaw People] Will No Longer Work With The Yorubas Because They’re Betrayers” — Dokubo
By SaharaNews247 Political Desk
In a declaration that could shake Nigeria’s delicate ethnic and political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a prominent Niger Delta leader and ex-militant commander, has vowed that the Ijaw people will align with the North to crush political opposition, accusing the Yoruba political elite of repeated betrayal.
This statement, made in a recently surfaced video verified by Ripples Nigeria and SaharaNews247, adds a fresh layer of tension in a country already grappling with insecurity, economic challenges, and fragile unity.
“We [Ijaw people] will not work with the Yorubas again because they are betrayers. We will align with the North to crush the opposition,”
— Asari Dokubo
Why Did Asari Dokubo Make This Declaration?
Asari Dokubo, known for his outspoken views on Niger Delta marginalization, accused Yoruba leaders of abandoning the South-South despite long-standing support from the Ijaw people. According to Dokubo:
✅ The Ijaw have historically stood by the Yoruba during critical struggles.
✅ When it matters most, Yoruba elites allegedly prioritize personal interests over regional cooperation.
✅ The Ijaw people will no longer be “used and dumped” in political transactions.
Dokubo believes that a new alignment with the North will secure the Niger Delta’s interests while teaching the Yoruba leadership that betrayal has consequences.
In-Depth Analysis: Implications of Dokubo’s Statement
1️⃣ Ethnic Tension and Regional Politics
Nigeria’s political structure is deeply influenced by ethnic alliances:
The South-South (Niger Delta), South-West (Yoruba), and North have often formed coalitions to win elections.
Dokubo’s position could fracture Southern unity, which many Southern leaders have tried to preserve against Northern dominance.
This declaration may embolden Ijaw youth movements and Niger Delta stakeholders to seek new political alliances, affecting PDP and APC structures in the region.
2️⃣ Impact on 2027 Elections
Asari Dokubo’s statement might: ✅ Encourage Northern politicians to explore alliances with Niger Delta leaders.
✅ Undermine current talks of Southern unity ahead of 2027.
✅ Shift votes in key oil-rich states, altering the balance of power.
3️⃣ Economic and Security Ramifications
The Niger Delta remains Nigeria’s economic backbone due to its oil resources. Political instability and discontent in the region could: ✅ Threaten oil production if tensions escalate.
✅ Increase agitations, leading to renewed calls for resource control or secession.
✅ Distract the federal government from urgently needed economic reforms.
️ Reactions So Far
Supporters’ Views
Some Niger Delta youth groups and social commentators have praised Dokubo for “speaking truth to power,” arguing that the Yoruba elites have not reciprocated past political sacrifices by the Ijaw and the South-South.
Critics’ Concerns
Political analysts warn that:
Dokubo’s statements could deepen ethnic division and promote hate speech if not managed carefully.
Nigeria’s fragile stability cannot afford heightened regional hostilities.
True development requires collaboration among regions, not divisive rhetoric.
Official Responses
As of the time of this report, major Yoruba leaders and groups have not publicly responded to Dokubo’s remarks, likely to avoid escalating tensions.
Confirmed Video Evidence
Ripples Nigeria and SaharaNews247 have verified the authenticity of the circulating video where Dokubo made these statements, ensuring that this is not a fake news incident.
This aligns with Asari Dokubo’s historical pattern of making bold statements, including:
Criticism of perceived Yoruba dominance in opposition coalitions.
Previous threats to withdraw Ijaw support from Southern alliances if “betrayal” continued.
What Does This Mean for the Average Nigerian?
Dokubo’s remarks are a reminder of: ✅ The deep mistrust among Nigeria’s ethnic groups.
✅ The need for genuine dialogue and equitable power-sharing.
✅ The importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s economic and security crises.
Final Thoughts
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, statements like Dokubo’s could reshape alliances and redefine the country’s political landscape. Whether this is a genuine repositioning of Niger Delta politics or a negotiation tactic, it reflects ongoing grievances and the urgency for leaders to build trust across ethnic lines.
SaharaNews247 will continue to monitor:
Reactions from Yoruba socio-political groups.
Responses from Northern leaders who may seize this opportunity.
The impact of this declaration on Niger Delta youth movements and militancy.
We Want to Hear From You!
Do you think Asari Dokubo’s declaration will lead to new political alignments in the Niger Delta, or will it fade like past regional threats?
️ Share your thoughts in the comments below.
