Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his rumoured plan to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections, as prominent figures in the Niger Delta intensify efforts to persuade him to instead support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Findings by The PUNCH revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, is leading the regional movement urging Jonathan to drop his alleged presidential ambition and rally behind President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
It was gathered that Tompolo, accompanied by close allies including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the 2023 APC deputy governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Joshua Maciver, paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on 16 October.
The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly a decade — a sign of the seriousness of his mission.
Although early reports suggested the talks centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple credible sources disclosed that the visit was largely political.
According to insiders close to both men, Tompolo’s mission was to dissuade Jonathan from re-entering the presidential race and instead support Tinubu’s continuity in 2027.
A trusted associate of Jonathan, who confirmed the meeting but asked not to be named, said, “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 Ogoniland and other projects. The general sentiment is that we should back him for a second term. That was the essence of Tompolo’s visit.”
Pressed on whether Jonathan was indeed considering a return to politics, the source added, “Yes, he was considering it.”
A member of Tompolo’s camp described the visit as “historic,” noting that it was the first time in ten years the ex-militant leader had paid a private visit of such political significance.
Tompolo, who currently enjoys a renewed multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract from the federal government, is a known supporter of Tinubu and has been spearheading the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement,’ a grassroots campaign across the Niger Delta.
Sources further revealed that during the meeting, Tompolo candidly told Jonathan that the “Niger Delta mood” was not in favour of his return to Aso Rock, stressing that most regional leaders preferred Tinubu to complete his reforms.
“Tompolo was very direct,” one insider said. “He told Jonathan that
many Niger Deltans believe Tinubu should continue till 2031.”He reportedly advised the former president to “borrow a leaf” from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who have both shown alignment with Tinubu’s administration.
According to sources, Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed Tinubu’s re-election, while Governor Diri’s rumoured resignation from the PDP and planned defection to the APC were indicators of the region’s shifting political tide.
Another attendee said Tompolo warned Jonathan against being misled by politicians urging him to contest, noting that he “would not get the needed home support.”
“Tompolo told him frankly that no one can defeat Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far,” the source revealed. “He stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity.”
Tompolo reportedly advised Jonathan that he did not need to join the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a respected statesman and use his influence to help the President consolidate his support in the region.
According to another insider, Jonathan thanked Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom of his message.
“President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo’s visit and promised to consider his advice carefully,” the source said. “He said he would reflect on the counsel before making his final decision.”
After the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told journalists that their discussion centred on peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is a young man who has played major roles in ensuring unity in our region. We discussed how to maintain peace and stability.”
Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic statement, multiple insiders maintain that the talks were heavily political, reflecting growing support among Niger Delta elites for Tinubu’s re-election.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed speculations about Jonathan’s 2027 ambition, describing them as mere rumours.
“I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” he said. “Until he declares himself, it remains speculation. It’s normal for Tompolo to visit him as a respected leader in the Niger Delta.”
He added that Jonathan remains deeply respected for his role in establishing the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which helped stabilise the oil-rich region.
“Any day, any time, Goodluck Jonathan is a leader we respect,” Eradiri said. “Tompolo visiting him is only natural, whether or not politics was discussed.”
