South-South Political Alignments Gather Pace as Tinubu Secures Fresh Endorsements
Political consultations and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum in the South-South on Tuesday, as key stakeholders across Bayelsa and Rivers states publicly declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid.
In Bayelsa State, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) closed ranks at a major stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa, where party leaders unanimously backed Tinubu’s re-election.
The gathering, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, marked the first expanded APC meeting chaired by Governor Douye Diri since he assumed leadership of the party in the state in October 2025.
The endorsement motion was initiated by the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr Konbowei Benson, and reinforced by former deputy governor and ex-Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Peremobowei Ebebi.
The meeting attracted a wide array of party heavyweights, including the APC caretaker committee chairman in the state, Dr Dennis Otiotio; Senator Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Sam Ogbuku; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; and APC National Working Committee ex-officio member for the South-South, Godbless Diriware.
Addressing party members, Governor Diri called for unity and internal cohesion, urging members to move past internal divisions and embrace reconciliation in the interest of peace and development.
He also cautioned against premature political ambitions, advising aspirants to allow party structures and consultations to take precedence as preparations for future elections evolve.
Diri thanked long-standing APC members for their reception of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, saying, “Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded to me and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.”
Beyond Bayelsa, similar endorsements emerged in neighbouring Rivers State, where former Niger Delta militant leader and activist, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, pledged political backing for both President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Asari-Dokubo, now a paramount ruler in Degema Local Council Area, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by Wike to his residence.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Asari-Dokubo said Wike had supported him during challenging moments in his life, adding, “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 the visit formed part of wider consultations to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, noting the importance of engaging traditional leaders and political stakeholders across the state.
Further consolidating this position, the Rivers Elders Council also threw its weight behind Tinubu under the banner of the “Renewed Hope Family,” an initiative linked to Wike.
The council’s chairman, Ferdinand Alabraba, announced the endorsement during Wike’s thank-you visit to Akuku-Toru Local Council Area.
The series of endorsements signals growing coordination among influential political figures in the South-South, as alliances begin to take clearer shape well ahead of the 2027 polls.
