2027: Pressure Builds on Jonathan to Drop Presidential Ambition

Ex-militant leader Tompolo reportedly urges former president to back Tinubu’s re-election bid

Pressure is intensifying on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon plans to contest the 2027 presidential election, with a faction of Niger Delta leaders led by ex-militant commander High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo pushing the former president to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election instead.

According to sources close to the meeting, Tompolo visited Jonathan in his hometown of Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday, October 16, in what insiders describe as a predominantly political conversation rather than the purely peace-and-security review both men publicly mentioned.

Those present at the meeting which reportedly included Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services MD High Chief Kestin Pondi and former APC deputy-gubernatorial candidate Hon. Joshua Maciver told the former president that public sentiment in the Niger Delta is not favourable to Jonathan’s rumored return to the presidential race.

Sources say Tompolo argued that Jonathan would struggle to secure strong “home” support if he pursued the presidency on any political platform. He reportedly told Jonathan that many in the region prefer continuity and would rather see President Tinubu complete a second term — a view Tompolo framed as shared by “reasonable and right-thinking Nigerians.”

Insiders added that Tompolo urged Jonathan to align with a growing consensus in the Niger Delta that favours the continuation of the southern presidency under Tinubu through 2031. He also referenced recent developments notably public endorsements and political moves by Bayelsa figures as factors that have weakened Jonathan’s potential bid.

Calls to remain a statesman, not defect

Tompolo reportedly advised Jonathan that he need not formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be useful to Tinubu’s re-election effort; instead, he could act as a statesman and lend influence without changing party affiliation. The ex-militant leader emphasized the tactical advantage of a united front in the Niger Delta and cautioned that opposing Tinubu could be politically costly for Jonathan and his people.

One attendee quoted Tompolo as saying nobody could realistically unseat Tinubu in a “free and fair” contest given his performance in office so far. The same source said Tompolo pointed to public statements by Jonathan’s wife, Patience, and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and possible move toward APC as developments that diminish Jonathan’s prospects.

Those present described Jonathan as attentive and respectful during the discussion. A source said the former president thanked Tompolo for visiting and acknowledged the “wisdom” of his counsel, promising to consider the advice and to communicate his decision publicly in due course.

After the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters the visit had provided an opportunity to discuss peace in the Niger Delta. He praised Tompolo’s role in regional stability and protection of oil infrastructure and refrained from discussing the political elements that insiders say dominated the talks.

While participants and close sources have described the meeting as largely political, neither Tompolo nor Jonathan publicly confirmed the push for Jonathan to shelve any presidential plan. Insiders who requested anonymity said the appeal was clear: Jonathan should consider supporting Tinubu and avoid a contested return to the presidency that would lack broad regional backing.

For now, Jonathan’s response is limited to expressions of appreciation for the visit and reiterated concern for peace and security in the Niger Delta. Whether he will heed Tompolo’s counsel and step back from any 2027 ambition remains a closely watched question in the coming weeks.