Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing fresh pressure to give up his reported plan to run for president in 2027.
People close to him said top Niger Delta leaders are asking him to forget about returning to power and to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid instead.
Tompolo Visits Jonathan in Bayelsa
According to The Punch, former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, is leading the move to convince Jonathan.
Tompolo, along with his close friends — the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and APC’s 2023 Bayelsa deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver — visited Jonathan at his home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, on 16 October.
The meeting, which lasted for hours, was Tompolo’s first major public appearance in almost ten years. Many say this shows how serious his mission was.
Talks Were Political, Not About Peace
Some early reports claimed the visit was about peace and security in the Niger Delta. But people close to both men said the meeting was really about politics.
They said Tompolo went there to ask Jonathan not to contest for president again but to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
A close friend of Jonathan, who confirmed the meeting but did not want to be named, said the meeting took place.