In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Niger Delta militant leader and activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has publicly declared his support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and President Bola Tinubu. The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by Wike to Asari-Dokubo, who is now the paramount ruler in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Historic Pledge of Loyalty in Degema
Expressing deep appreciation for the visit on 6 January 2026, Asari-Dokubo stated that Wike had stood by him during difficult periods of his life, and it was now time to reciprocate that loyalty. Reflecting on his journey, the former militant leader recalled, “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.”
Wike explained that his trip to Degema was part of a broader effort to inform the people of his political family's decision to back President Tinubu's re-election bid. “We understand that traditional rulers do not play politics, but we came to inform the people of Degema that we have decided to support President Tinubu,” Wike said. This visit followed a similar engagement with Ateke Tom, the Paramount Ruler of Okochiri and another ex-warlord, just two days prior.
Rivers Elders Council and Rainbow Coalition Mobilise
The momentum for Tinubu's 2027 campaign in Rivers State received a further boost with the endorsement from the Rivers Elders Council. The council, operating under the platform of the “Renewed Hope Family” initiative championed by Wike, declared its support during Wike's “thank-you” visit to Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.
Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the 86-year-old Chairman of the council, stated that the Renewed Hope Family represented the right path for the state. He credited the stability in Rivers State to the people's decision to vote for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Praising Wike as an icon of contemporary Nigerian politics, Alabraba commended his pragmatic leadership and ability to foster ethnic harmony during his tenure as governor. “Rivers people know the right direction, and the Renewed Hope Agenda is the way forward in 2027,” he asserted.
This political movement, tagged the “Rainbow Coalition”, is a unique alliance that brings together members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State solely to mobilise support for Tinubu's second term.
Grassroots Support and Unified Vision
During the Akuku-Toru visit, key local figures echoed the endorsement. Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, lauded Wike for developmental projects and affirmed their continued support. “We followed you to support Tinubu, and today we are enjoying the benefits of that decision. We will do the same in 2027,” he stated.
Lawmaker Lolo Opuende and Akuku-Toru Local Government Council Chairman, Aboiye Bob-Fubara, also pledged their allegiance to Wike's political direction and the Renewed Hope Family. In his remarks, Wike highlighted the uniqueness of the political alignment in Rivers, noting, “This is the only state where the two major political parties are working together to return President Tinubu in 2027. The Rainbow Coalition exists nowhere else but Rivers State.”
Wike framed the coalition as a movement beyond partisan politics, focused on the collective goal of 'renewed hope' for the nation as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
