Former Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general election, marking a sharp departure from his earlier criticism of the administration.

Dokubo made the declaration on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to his palace in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The former militant leader, who was installed as the Amanyanabo of Torusarama-Piri in late 2024, pledged to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu through Wike, whom he described as a close ally.

The visit formed part of Wike’s ongoing “thank-you” tour of Rivers State, which commenced in December 2025, aimed at appreciating supporters and consolidating political backing for the President ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking during the visit, Dokubo said President Tinubu stood by him during challenging periods, stressing that he was now ready to reciprocate the gesture.

“Everything that is going to happen, I will be with you in ensuring that my friend, the President, succeeds,” Dokubo said.

“Everything that I am capable of doing, I will do to ensure that he succeeds.”

He recalled that when he first met Tinubu in 1992, he was not a traditional ruler and never imagined he would attain such a position, noting that loyalty and gratitude informed his renewed political alignment.

Earlier, Wike said the visit was to thank the community for its support and to canvass continued backing for President Tinubu’s re-election.

He added that the visit also provided the opportunity to extend New Year greetings to the traditional ruler and the people of the kingdom.

“I know that traditional rulers do not play politics. You are my friend, and there was no way I would come to your domain without paying homage and wishing you a happy New Year,” Wike said.

Dokubo’s endorsement represents a significant political turnaround. Until recently, he was one of President Tinubu’s outspoken critics, accusing the administration of sidelining him after the 2023 elections despite his support for the campaign.