Tompolo, Niger Delta Leaders Urge Jonathan to Drop 2027 Bid, Back Tinubu
By Shalom Ikuvbogie
Fresh political moves are unfolding in the Niger Delta as former President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be facing mounting pressure from key regional figures to abandon any plan of returning to the presidency in 2027 and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Our reliable sources stated that the push is being led by influential ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, alongside other prominent Niger Delta stakeholders.
Tompolo, who reportedly visited Jonathan at his Otuoke country home in Bayelsa State on October 16, was accompanied by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Kestin Pondi, and the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Mr. Joshua Maciver.
Sources familiar with the visit described it as largely political, contrary to public claims that it focused on regional peace and security. Tompolo was said to have appealed directly to Jonathan to shelve his rumoured presidential ambition, stressing that the mood in the Niger Delta does not favour a comeback bid.
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According to insiders, Tompolo, who also leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, a grassroots campaign group backing President Tinubu, told Jonathan that most Niger Deltans prefer to support Tinubu’s second term rather than divide the region’s political strength. He reportedly warned that Jonathan might not get the level of regional support he once enjoyed if he decided to contest.
One source said, “Tompolo came to see His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in Otuoke, on Friday, October 16, in what was a happy reunion after over a decade. The visit was not about peace in the Niger Delta as some reports suggested; it was a political discussion focused on 2027. Tompolo advised Jonathan not to be drawn into another presidential contest and instead work with President Tinubu for continuity.”
It was learnt that Jonathan, while appreciating the visit, took note of Tompolo’s counsel and promised to reflect on it before making any public declaration on his political future.
However, speaking briefly to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan maintained that the discussion centred on peace and stability in the Niger Delta, avoiding any direct comment on the growing speculations surrounding his 2027 plans.
