2027: Niger Delta Leaders Mount Pressure on Jonathan to Abandon Presidential Bid

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

According to findings, ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is leading the regional push urging Jonathan to back Tinubu instead of contesting.

Tompolo, alongside top allies — including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and APC’s 2023 Bayelsa deputy governorship candidate, Joshua Maciver — visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16.

Sources disclosed that the meeting, which lasted several hours and marked Tompolo’s first major political outing in almost ten years, was largely political despite initial reports suggesting it focused on regional peace and security.

A close associate of Jonathan confirmed that the former president and Tompolo’s delegation met to discuss aligning support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The source said:

> “Yes, the meeting held. Many Niger Delta stakeholders believe Tinubu has done a lot for the region — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university approved for Ogoni land, and other projects. The general feeling is that the region should support his re-election. That’s what Tompolo came to tell the former president — to step aside and back Tinubu.”

When asked if Jonathan was considering a comeback, the associate added, “Yes, he had been weighing the option.”

A member of Tompolo’s camp described the visit as “historic,” noting it was his first visit of such nature in a decade — underscoring its significance.

Tompolo, a known supporter of President Tinubu, currently oversees a renewed multi-billion-naira pipeline surveillance contract originally awarded under the Buhari administration. He also spearheads the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots initiative mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.

Insiders revealed that during the meeting, Tompolo told Jonathan candidly that the Niger Delta no longer supported his return to power.

> “Tompolo was very direct. He said the people’s sentiment favours continuity and that most Niger Deltans want Tinubu to complete his eight-year tenure,” a source said.

He reportedly advised Jonathan to follow the example of his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who have both expressed alignment with Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

Another source disclosed:

> “Tompolo reminded him that Mrs Jonathan had publicly endorsed Tinubu and that Governor Diri’s decision to leave the PDP for the APC shows the region’s political direction.”

Tompolo also cautioned the ex-president against heeding calls from political allies urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would lack sufficient grassroots backing.

> “He told Jonathan bluntly that Tinubu is too strong to defeat in a free and fair election, given his current performance and national goodwill,” the source added.

Tompolo further explained that Jonathan didn’t need to join the APC to support Tinubu but could instead act as a respected statesman and use his influence to deliver the Niger Delta for the president in 2027.

Jonathan was said to have listened attentively and thanked Tompolo for his counsel, promising to reflect on the advice before making his decision public.

> “He appreciated the visit and acknowledged Tompolo’s wisdom. He said he would carefully consider the suggestions and communicate his position in due course,” a source confirmed.

While Tompolo declined media comments after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters the discussions focused on peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

> “Since I left office, we’ve not seen each other. Tompolo has played vital roles in uniting our people. We discussed issues concerning the region to sustain peace. He has made remarkable contributions to maintaining stability and protecting oil installations,” Jonathan stated.