Tension In The South! Tompolo, Niger Delta Leaders Mount Pressure On Jonathan To Abandon 2027 Comeback Bid

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing mounting pressure to drop any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Vanguard, the move is being spearheaded by influential Niger Delta figures, notably ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Sources revealed that some of Jonathan’s close associates and kinsmen have urged him to abandon his rumored ambition, arguing that both regional and national sentiments are not currently in his favor.

On October 16, Tompolo, accompanied by Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, the APC’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, reportedly met with Jonathan at his Otuoke residence.

Although the meeting was officially described as a discussion on maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that it was “largely political.”

A source told Vanguard: “Tompolo urged the former president to drop his speculated 2027 presidential ambition. He explained that public sentiment in the Niger Delta and across the country now leans more toward President Tinubu’s continuity.”

Tompolo, who leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement—a grassroots campaign backing Tinubu’s re-election—allegedly warned Jonathan that he might not enjoy the expected “home support” should he decide to run.

The source added, “He advised Jonathan not to be misled by those claiming he could defeat Tinubu, pointing out that most Niger Deltans now favor Tinubu’s second-term bid.”

Another insider revealed that Jonathan listened attentively to Tompolo’s counsel and assured him that he would reflect on the advice before taking a public stance.

However, addressing journalists briefly after the meeting, Jonathan downplayed any political angle, insisting that Tompolo’s visit was merely to “review the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta.”