Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election, as influential figures in the Niger Delta rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Findings by newsmen revealed that former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the regional push to persuade Jonathan to shelve his alleged ambition and support Tinubu’s second-term campaign.
Tompolo, alongside key associates—including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and former Bayelsa APC deputy governorship candidate Joshua Maciver—paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on October 16.
Sources said the closed-door meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first major public outing in nearly a decade—a signal of the importance attached to the mission.
Although initial reports suggested the discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple sources confirmed that the meeting was largely political.
A top associate of the former president, who spoke anonymously, said, “It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university approved for Ogoni land, and other projects. Everyone feels we should back Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with Jonathan.”
The source also confirmed that Jonathan had been “considering” a return to the presidency before the intervention.
According to another insider, Tompolo told Jonathan that the political mood in the Niger Delta no longer favoured his comeback, stressing that most regional leaders now prefer continuity under Tinubu.
“Tompolo was very frank with him,” the source said. “He told the former president that his people would not support another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans want Tinubu to complete his programmes till 2031.”
The ex-militant commander reportedly urged Jonathan to follow the example of his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, both of whom have shown alignment with Tinubu’s re-election efforts.
Tompolo currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract awarded to his firm under the Buhari administration. He also leads the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots platform mobilising support for Tinubu across the Niger Delta.
Sources said Jonathan appreciated Tompolo’s visit and “promised to consider his counsel carefully” before making any decision.
Speaking briefly to journalists after the meeting, Jonathan maintained that discussions focused on peace and stability in the region. “Tompolo has played key roles in ensuring the unity of our people and protection of oil installations. We discussed how to maintain peace in the Niger Delta,” he said.
However, multiple insiders insist the political undercurrent dominated the conversation, reflecting a broader regional realignment toward Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed speculations that Jonathan was preparing to return to power. “I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” he said. “Until he declares, it’s all rumour. It’s normal that Tompolo would pay respect to Jonathan as a leader in the Niger Delta.”
Eradiri described Jonathan as a revered figure due to his role in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, adding, “Any day, any time, Goodluck Jonathan remains a leader respected by people like Tompolo.”