Niger Delta Elites Pressure Ex-President Jonathan to Support Tinubu’s Re-election Amid Rumored 2027 Bid

Niger Delta Elites Pressure Ex-President Jonathan to Support Tinubu’s Re-election Amid Rumored 2027 Bid

Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon his rumored bid for the 2027 presidency, as influential figures from the Niger Delta intensify efforts to persuade him to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election instead.

Sources revealed that ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is leading a regional campaign urging Jonathan to drop his presidential ambitions and back Tinubu’s second term.

According to reports, Tompolo, accompanied by key associates including Kestin Pondi, managing director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, the APC deputy gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State in 2023, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, on October 16. The visit, which lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly a decade, underscoring the significance of the meeting.

While initial reports suggested the discussion focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple credible sources indicated that politics was the primary agenda. Close contacts of both men confirmed that Tompolo’s visit aimed to dissuade Jonathan from pursuing the presidency and to garner his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

A confidant of Jonathan, who requested anonymity, confirmed the meeting took place: “Yes, the meeting was held. Niger Delta stakeholders believe Tinubu has delivered on key projects—like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and development initiatives for Ogoni land—and feel he deserves a second term. Tompolo came to advise Jonathan not to run but to support Tinubu.”

When asked whether Jonathan was considering a presidential run, the associate replied, “Yes, he was contemplating it.”

Another source within Tompolo’s camp described the encounter as historic. “It was the first time in ten years that Tompolo visited anyone, which shows the importance of this meeting,” they said.

Tompolo, a staunch supporter of Tinubu, currently benefits from a renewed pipeline surveillance contract worth billions of naira, awarded during the Buhari administration. He also leads the grassroots ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement,’ mobilizing support for Tinubu across the Niger Delta.

Sources added that Tompolo told Jonathan that the mood among Niger Deltans was not in favor of his presidential ambitions. “Tompolo was frank—he told Jonathan that most Niger Deltans now prefer Tinubu to continue until 2031,” an insider disclosed. He also pointed out that Patience Jonathan, wife of the former president, and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, who recently defected from the PDP to the APC, have publicly endorsed Tinubu, signaling regional support for his re-election.

Another participant said Tompolo warned Jonathan against being influenced by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, emphasizing that he would lack strong local backing. “He told Jonathan plainly that no one can beat Tinubu in a fair contest, considering his track record,” the source stated. “Most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to see Tinubu’s programs through.”

Tompolo reportedly advised Jonathan that he could support Tinubu without defecting to the APC, remaining a statesman and leveraging his influence to secure regional support in 2027. Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider the advice, according to sources.

After the meeting, Tompolo declined to comment to the press. Jonathan, speaking to reporters, emphasized that the visit focused on peace and stability: “Since I left office, I haven’t seen Tompolo. We discussed issues affecting the Niger Delta and how to maintain peace. He has contributed significantly to the peace and security of the region.”

Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic tone, insiders insist the discussion was heavily influenced by political considerations, especially as Niger Delta elites increasingly favor Tinubu’s re-election.

Meanwhile, Udengs Eradiri, a former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State, dismissed reports that Jonathan was planning a return to power. “I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” he said. “Until he declares himself, it’s just speculation.” Eradiri added that Jonathan remains highly respected in the region for his role in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and that Tompolo’s visit was a gesture of respect, not necessarily political persuasion. “Whether there was any pressure or not, I cannot say, but I don’t believe Jonathan has declared any ambition to be influenced,” he concluded.