In Nigeria’s bustling political landscape, few figures captivate public attention as consistently as Asari Dokubo, the self-styled leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force. With his recent, almost ritualistic critiques of President Bola Tinubu on social media, Dokubo has once again thrust himself into the limelight. His unabashed denunciations, sometimes with disarming fervor and unrestrained language, are not merely the grievances of an aggrieved activist, they highlight a deeper, transactional nature of Nigeria’s current political culture. By regularly taking to social media to berate Mr. President and his administration, Dokubo brings to light some troubling facets of Nigeria’s political system, where alliances, loyalty, and vociferous criticism often intertwine in a complex web of expectations and disappointments.

In Nigeria, politics has often been described as an elite game of alliances forged and dissolved by promises, obligations, and compensations. This dynamic, typically referred to as transactional politics, has become the defining hallmark of power relations in the country. Transactional politics in this context refers to a system in which alliances and loyalties are heavily predicated on personal gains and rewards rather than ideological commitments or genuine service to the populace.

Nigerian political figures frequently enter alliances or build support based on the expectation of personal benefits, ranging from political appointments to lucrative contracts. Leaders and influencers use their platforms, including social media, to both vocalize support for and critique powerful figures in government. In a way, the relationship between such political figures and the government is reminiscent of a high-stakes transactional contract: support is expected to yield rewards, while lack thereof can lead to public displays of grievances. Dokubo’s recent outbursts are a classic example of this dynamic at play.

Asari Dokubo is no stranger to the complexities of Nigerian politics. A former militant leader turned political figure and self-described protector of Niger Delta rights, he has long been an active voice in Nigerian affairs. Throughout his career, Dokubo has championed the cause of the marginalized Niger Delta communities, claiming to fight for their rights and better treatment from the federal government. However, his activism is often tinged with personal political motivations, as seen in his shifting allegiances and public displays of dissatisfaction when things don’t go his way.

In the run-up to Tinubu’s administration, Dokubo was a vocal supporter of the president. He used his platform to bolster Tinubu’s campaign, calling him the leader Nigeria needed to address the country’s myriad challenges. Many Nigerians perceived this support as a demonstration of loyalty, a move that would eventually translate into some form of recognition or compensation from the new administration. But when such rewards did not materialize, Dokubo’s tone shifted dramatically.

In recent months, Dokubo’s social media posts have taken a decidedly critical turn. His previous endorsement of Tinubu has now given way to a barrage of complaints and accusations. The once-loyal ally is now one of the president’s most vocal critics, often lambasting him in videos that go viral within hours of posting. In his posts, Dokubo alleges neglect and betrayal by the very administration he once fervently supported. He highlights unfulfilled promises and insists that the president is failing the people who put him in office.

This public dissent is telling. It speaks to a system where political alliances and loyalty are rarely based on shared ideology or a commitment to public service but rather on a perceived expectation of rewards. Dokubo’s grievances, aired in the open forum of social media, suggest that his loyalty was conditional upon certain benefits he expected from the administration, benefits that, in his view, have not been realized.

Dokubo’s outbursts against the president serve as a stark reminder of the deeply transactional nature of Nigerian politics. They highlight a concerning trend where political alliances and endorsements are increasingly seen as commodities to be bought, traded, and ultimately criticized when transactional expectations go unmet. In a political landscape like Nigeria’s, the allegiance of powerful individuals and groups often shifts based on self-interest, with little regard for long-term stability or genuine public service.

This situation has grave implications for governance in Nigeria. When political relationships are driven by transactional expectations rather than genuine commitment to progress and development, it becomes challenging for the government to implement consistent policies. Leaders may feel compelled to appease influential figures to secure support or stave off criticism, even at the expense of national priorities.

Furthermore, transactional politics perpetuates a culture of patronage, where leaders are more focused on satisfying powerful individuals than addressing the real needs of the masses. This undermines the very foundation of democracy, shifting power from the electorate to a select group of individuals whose support or criticism is contingent on personal gain.

In the age of social media, figures like Dokubo have a powerful tool at their disposal to publicly express grievances and garner support for their causes. Social media platforms have become the modern-day pulpit for political discourse, enabling individuals to broadcast their opinions and rally supporters without the constraints of traditional media channels. For Dokubo, social media provides an ideal platform to voice his dissatisfaction and criticize Mr. President in real-time, capturing the attention of millions of Nigerians.

By regularly airing his grievances on social media, Dokubo is essentially leveraging public sentiment to pressure the administration into meeting his demands. His vocal criticisms serve as a warning to the administration and other political figures that failure to uphold transactional agreements could lead to damaging public backlash. In this sense, social media has not only amplified Dokubo’s voice but has also transformed him into a formidable force capable of shaping public perception and influencing political outcomes.

Dokubo’s actions underscore the urgent need for a shift from transactional politics to value-based politics in Nigeria. In a value-based political system, alliances and support are grounded in shared principles and goals rather than personal gains. Such a shift would require political figures to align their actions with the needs of the Nigerian populace rather than focusing on their individual interests. A value-based system would promote accountability and transparency, making it more difficult for powerful figures to manipulate the government for personal benefit.

To achieve this transformation, political leaders and influencers must prioritize the welfare of the citizens they claim to represent. Political appointments and alliances should be based on merit and genuine commitment to public service rather than transactional obligations. By fostering a culture of value-based politics, Nigeria can create a more stable and effective governance structure that serves the collective interest of the nation rather than the individual interests of powerful players.

Asari Dokubo’s penchant for dragging Mr. President on social media provides valuable insights into the transactional nature of Nigerian politics. His criticisms, while ostensibly personal, reflect a deeper issue within the political system: a culture where alliances and support are conditional upon personal gain, and grievances are publicly aired when these conditions go unmet. This dynamic has eroded the foundations of Nigerian democracy, prioritizing personal interests over national progress and compromising the government’s ability to address the pressing needs of the populace.

For Nigeria to move forward, there must be a conscious effort to shift away from transactional politics and embrace a system grounded in shared values and a commitment to public service. Political figures must be held accountable for their actions and alliances, ensuring that the government remains focused on serving the interests of the nation rather than a select few. As Dokubo’s actions continue to draw attention, they serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of transactional politics, and the urgent need for a value-based approach to governance in Nigeria.