2027: Jonathan Under Growing Pressure to Abandon Presidential Ambition

Prominent Niger Delta figures, led by ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, are mounting pressure on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon any plans to contest the 2027 presidential election and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The campaign reflects growing regional support for Tinubu’s second term, driven by his administration’s developmental projects in the Niger Delta.According to findings by The PUNCH, Tompolo, accompanied by key associates including High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa State election, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on October 16, 2025. The hours-long meeting, described as Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly a decade, underscored the significance of the mission.While initial reports suggested the discussions focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple sources confirmed the primary agenda was political. Tompolo reportedly urged Jonathan to shelve his rumoured presidential ambition and rally behind Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. A close associate of Jonathan, speaking anonymously, verified the meeting, stating, “Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the university approved for Ogoni land. Tompolo came to urge Jonathan to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.”A source from Tompolo’s camp described the visit as historic, emphasizing its importance given Tompolo’s rare public appearances. The ex-militant leader, a staunch Tinubu supporter and beneficiary of a multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract renewed from the Buhari administration, reportedly told Jonathan that Niger Deltans are not in favour of his rumoured presidential comeback. “Tompolo was frank,” a source said. “He advised Jonathan to follow the lead of his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who have aligned with Tinubu’s re-election movement.”Tompolo, who leads the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’ to mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu in the Niger Delta, cautioned Jonathan against being swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu. He argued that Tinubu’s performance makes him unbeatable in a fair contest and that most southern Nigerians support his continuity until 2031. Tompolo suggested Jonathan could remain a statesman and use his influence to secure the region for Tinubu without joining the APC.Jonathan, sources said, listened attentively and promised to carefully consider the advice. While speaking to reporters post-meeting, Jonathan maintained a diplomatic tone, stating the discussions focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta. “Tompolo has played key roles in the unity of our people,” he said. “We discussed issues to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful.”However, insiders insist the talks were predominantly political, reflecting the Niger Delta’s growing alignment with Tinubu. In contrast, Udengs Eradiri, a former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, dismissed claims of Jonathan’s presidential ambition as speculative, noting that Jonathan has not publicly declared any intent to run. Eradiri highlighted Jonathan’s revered status in the region, particularly for his role in the Amnesty Programme, suggesting Tompolo’s visit could simply be a gesture of respect.The push to dissuade Jonathan shows the intensifying political dynamics in the Niger Delta as stakeholders rally behind Tinubu’s re-election, citing his infrastructure initiatives as a reason for continued support.

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