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Fresh pressure is reportedly mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon any plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, as key figures from the Niger Delta are rallying support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Findings indicate that former militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading efforts to persuade Jonathan to shelve his alleged presidential ambition and instead back Tinubu’s second term.
According to multiple credible sources, Tompolo—accompanied by his close associates, including High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election—paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on October 16.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first major public appearance in nearly a decade, underscoring the significance of his mission.
While early media reports claimed the discussions focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that the meeting was largely political, centering on Jonathan’s possible 2027 ambition.
A senior associate close to Jonathan, who confirmed the meeting, said:
“Yes, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders believe President Tinubu has done a lot for the region—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university in Ogoni land, and other key projects. The consensus is that we should support Tinubu’s re-election, and that was the essence of Tompolo’s visit. He asked Jonathan not to run but to back Tinubu.”
When pressed further, the associate added that Jonathan had been considering a possible return, though no formal decision had been made.
A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated the account, describing the meeting as “historic” due to its political undertone and the symbolism of Tompolo’s re-emergence after years of political silence.
Tompolo, a known supporter of President Tinubu, currently manages a multi-billion-naira pipeline surveillance contract renewed under the current administration. He also leads a grassroots mobilization effort called the “PBAT Door-to-Door Movement”, which advocates Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.
Sources familiar with the discussion said Tompolo told Jonathan that public sentiment in the Niger Delta does not favour his return to power, emphasizing that regional leaders now prefer continuity under Tinubu.
“Tompolo was very candid. He told Jonathan that most Niger Deltans believe Tinubu should complete his programmes till 2031 and that another Jonathan presidency would not gain broad support,” a source revealed.
He reportedly advised Jonathan to “take a cue” from figures such as Patience Jonathan and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, who have both aligned with the Tinubu re-election movement.
According to the source:
“Tompolo reminded Jonathan that Mrs Patience Jonathan has publicly endorsed Tinubu, while Governor Diri’s planned move to the APC shows where the region is heading politically.”
Another insider said Tompolo warned Jonathan not to be swayed by political groups urging him to challenge Tinubu, stressing that “no one can defeat Tinubu in a free and fair contest given his current performance.”
Tompolo reportedly urged Jonathan to remain a statesman while using his influence to help consolidate Tinubu’s political support base in the South-South.
Jonathan was said to have appreciated the visit and promised to reflect on the counsel.
“President Jonathan thanked Tompolo for the visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his message,” a source said. “He promised to review the discussion and make a decision in due time.”
While both men avoided publicly discussing the political aspect of their meeting, Jonathan later told journalists that their conversation focused on peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo has contributed greatly to peace and unity in our region. We discussed ways to maintain peace and protect vital oil installations,” Jonathan stated.
Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic remarks, multiple insiders maintain that the political dimension dominated the talks, reflecting a growing realignment among Niger Delta elites toward Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed claims that Jonathan was plotting a return to Aso Rock.
“I’m not aware that Jonathan is running. Until he personally declares, it’s just speculation. Tompolo’s visit to Jonathan is normal—out of respect for a leader of the region,” Eradiri said.
He described Jonathan as a respected Niger Delta figure, recalling his pivotal role in the Amnesty Programme that helped restore peace to the region.
“Goodluck Jonathan remains a revered leader. It’s natural for Tompolo or any regional figure to visit him. Whether politics was discussed or not, that’s for them to say,” he concluded.