… Support Tinubu’s Re-election
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Former President Goodluck Jonathan is facing fresh pressure from influential Niger Delta figures, led by ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), to abandon his alleged 2027 presidential ambition and back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. Tompolo reportedly told Jonathan that the region’s political mood favours Tinubu’s continuity till 2031.
Mounting Pressure on Jonathan
Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon his speculated plan to contest the 2027 presidential election, as prominent Niger Delta leaders intensify efforts to persuade him to instead support the **re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Findings by The PUNCH revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), is leading a regional political movement urging Jonathan to drop his alleged presidential ambition and rally behind Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Tompolo’s Private Visit to Otuoke
It was gathered that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the 2023 Bayelsa APC deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver, paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Ogbia Local Government Area on October 16.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly a decade, highlighting the gravity of his mission.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the meeting was about peace and security, multiple credible sources confirmed that the visit was primarily political.
“Tinubu Has Done Much for Niger Delta” — Source
According to insiders familiar with the discussions, Tompolo’s mission was to discourage Jonathan from contesting and convince him to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
A close associate of Jonathan, who confirmed the meeting but spoke anonymously, said:
“It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders believe President Tinubu has done a lot for the region — look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. The consensus is that the region should back Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President.”
Pressed on whether Jonathan was indeed considering a return, the source added: “Yes, he was considering it.”
Historic Visit and Political Message
A source within Tompolo’s camp described the visit as “historic.”
“It was the first time in ten years that Tompolo would personally visit anyone. That alone shows how important this mission was,” the source said.
Tompolo, a staunch ally of President Tinubu, currently enjoys a renewed multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract and leads the grassroots mobilisation group, the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, which is campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.
Sources said Tompolo bluntly told Jonathan that the political mood in the Niger Delta was not in favour of his comeback.
“Tompolo told him plainly that the people were no longer disposed to supporting another Jonathan presidential bid, and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031,” a source disclosed.
“Follow Patience Jonathan and Diri’s Example”
Tompolo reportedly advised Jonathan to take a cue from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, both said to have aligned with Tinubu’s re-election movement.
“Tompolo reminded him that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu, and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were clear signals of the region’s political direction,” the insider added.
Another source said Tompolo warned Jonathan not to be swayed by those urging him to challenge Tinubu.
“He told him point-blank that no one can defeat Tinubu in a free and fair contest, considering his performance so far. Tompolo stressed that Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”
He reportedly told Jonathan that he could still support Tinubu as a statesman without defecting to the APC, using his influence to deliver the Niger Delta to the President in 2027.
Jonathan’s Reaction: “We Discussed Peace and Unity”
A source said Jonathan listened carefully and promised to reflect on Tompolo’s counsel.
“President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo’s visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions. He promised to review the advice and make his decision known in due course.”
Although Tompolo declined to speak to journalists, Jonathan told reporters that their discussion centred on peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”
Despite the former President’s diplomatic response, multiple insiders insist that the political dimension dominated the discussions, especially as more Niger Delta elites appear to be aligning with Tinubu’s re-election efforts.
Eradiri: “Jonathan Not Planning a Comeback”
Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed reports that Jonathan was planning a return to power, describing such speculation as unfounded.
“I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” Eradiri said. “Until he himself declares, it remains a rumour. As for Tompolo’s visit, it’s only natural for him to pay respect to Jonathan as a Niger Delta leader.”
He added that Jonathan remains a respected figure for his pivotal role in initiating the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
“Goodluck Jonathan is deeply respected by people like Tompolo. It’s natural that when Tompolo visits Bayelsa, he first pays homage to Jonathan. Whether there was political persuasion or not, I can’t say. But I don’t think Jonathan has declared any ambition to be pressured in the first place.”
As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, Tompolo’s intervention marks a major shift in Niger Delta politics. The region, once a stronghold of the PDP, now appears to be gravitating toward President Tinubu, whose administration has invested in key infrastructure projects in the South-South.
Whether Jonathan heeds the call to stay out of the race or chooses to test his popularity again remains to be seen — but the pressure from home is unmistakably growing.
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