Fresh pressure is building on former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his rumored 2027 presidential ambition, as key Niger Delta leaders intensify moves to rally his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Findings by Punch revealed that ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is leading a regional campaign to persuade Jonathan to drop any plans of returning to power and instead endorse Tinubu for a second term.

On October 16, Tompolo, alongside top 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, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to sources, the meeting lasted several hours and marked Tompolo’s first major political outing in nearly a decade.

Although earlier reports suggested that the discussions focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that the meeting was primarily political, aimed at convincing Jonathan to back Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

A source close to Jonathan confirmed the meeting, saying:

“It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders believe President Tinubu has done a lot for the region — from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the new university in Ogoni land and other projects. The general feeling is that the region should support his second-term bid. That was the message Tompolo delivered to Jonathan.”

When asked if Jonathan was indeed considering a return to the presidential race, the source replied, “Yes, he was giving it some thought.”

A member of Tompolo’s inner circle described the visit as “historic,” noting that it was the first time in years that the ex-militant leader had made such a political move.

“It was the first time in a decade Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.

Tompolo, a known supporter of President Tinubu, currently oversees a multi-billion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also leads the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, a grassroots network mobilizing support for Tinubu across the Niger Delta.

Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that Tompolo told Jonathan bluntly that the mood in the Niger Delta does not favor his return to power, stressing that most people in the region prefer to see Tinubu complete his programs through 2031.

“Tompolo was very direct. He told the former president that Niger Deltans were no longer inclined to support another Jonathan presidency and that most would rather back Tinubu for continuity,” one insider said.

The source added that Tompolo urged Jonathan to take a cue from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, both of whom have shown alignment with Tinubu’s re-election movement.

“Tompolo reminded him that Mrs. Jonathan had already publicly endorsed Tinubu, and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and plan to defect to the APC were further signs of the region’s shifting loyalty,” the source revealed.

Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo warned Jonathan against being swayed by politicians pushing him to challenge Tinubu, insisting he would lack the ‘home support’ needed to succeed.

“He told him plainly that no one can defeat Tinubu in a free and fair contest given his performance so far,” the source added.
“Tompolo emphasized that Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity so the President can finish what he started.”

Tompolo reportedly advised Jonathan that he didn’t need to join the APC to support Tinubu — he could still remain a statesman while using his influence to deliver the region for the President in 2027.

According to insiders, Jonathan listened carefully and thanked Tompolo for his counsel.

“President Jonathan appreciated the visit and acknowledged the wisdom in Tompolo’s words. He promised to reflect on the advice and make his position known later,” the source said.

While Tompolo declined to speak with journalists after the meeting, Jonathan later told reporters that their discussions focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

“Since I left office, we’ve not seen each other. Tompolo is a young man who has played key roles in promoting unity in the region. We discussed issues concerning peace and stability to ensure the Niger Delta remains calm. He has contributed greatly to peace and the protection of oil installations,” Jonathan said.