The planned political rally by The NEW Associates, a group believed to be loyal to former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, has been postponed amid growing political tensions in Bayelsa State.
The event, which was earlier scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 12, in Yenagoa, has now been moved to Saturday, April 26, 2025. This change was announced on Friday by the Bayelsa State leader of the group, Mr. George Turnah, MON, during a press briefing in Yenagoa.
According to Mr. Turnah, the decision to shift the date came after consultations with key leaders of the Ijaw nation and in consideration of other political events fixed for the same day and venue.
He explained that some other political groups, including those supporting Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, had also planned rallies on the same date and at the same location. To avoid clashes and unnecessary tension, The NEW Associates decided to postpone their rally.
“We want to give room for others to hold their events peacefully. As a peaceful and people-driven group, we believe it is better to reschedule our rally,” Turnah said.
The announcement comes amid rising political activities in the state, with different interest groups organizing events to show strength ahead of what many observers believe could be a wider political realignment in the South-South region.
Although The NEW Associates presents itself as a national movement supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, many believe its strong presence in Bayelsa and Rivers States points to a deeper political strategy tied to Wike’s growing influence.
Mr. Turnah used the press conference to restate the group’s commitment to peace, unity, and development. He said that their support for President Tinubu was not just political but rooted in a desire to see Nigeria grow and succeed.
“President Tinubu’s success is Nigeria’s success,” he said. “We are committed to a peaceful Nigeria. We want development, empowerment, and progress—not division or conflict.”
He also thanked members, stakeholders, and supporters of the movement for their patience and loyalty. He urged them to remain calm and stay mobilized as the new rally date approaches.
“We appreciate the continued support of our members across Bayelsa and beyond. Let us keep the energy high as we prepare for a successful rally on April 26,” he said.
Background on The NEW Associates
The NEW Associates is a political support group that has been gaining attention for its fast-growing structure across the South-South region. While the group claims to be focused on supporting President Tinubu’s policies and promoting good governance, it is widely seen as having close links to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State.
Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been at the center of political controversy due to his open support for Tinubu, who is from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His actions have divided the PDP and led to increased political maneuvering in the South-South, especially in Bayelsa and Rivers States.
Bayelsa State, currently led by Governor Douye Diri of the PDP, has been experiencing political tension due to these shifting alliances. Governor Diri is believed to be aligned with traditional PDP interests, while the rise of pro-Wike groups like The NEW Associates signals a potential challenge to that dominance.
Governor Diri’s Warning
The postponement of the rally came shortly after warnings were reportedly issued by those close to Governor Diri, advising against holding politically charged events that could disrupt peace in the state.
Although Governor Diri has not made a direct public statement about The NEW Associates rally, political analysts believe his camp has been concerned about the possibility of clashes or unrest due to the growing presence of rival support groups.
It is not unusual for political gatherings in Nigeria to turn confrontational when multiple groups with different loyalties gather in the same area. Past incidents have shown how such events can quickly turn violent, especially during election periods or moments of political uncertainty.
By shifting the rally, Mr. Turnah and his group may have avoided potential conflict and shown a willingness to promote peace.
