by Ọ́gbẹ́ni Ọláwálé Dáwódù
Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his rumored plan to return to power in 2027, as influential Niger Delta leaders intensify moves to rally regional support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Findings by Paparazzi Online indicate that ex-militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the campaign urging Jonathan to abandon his alleged presidential ambition and endorse President Tinubu.
On October 16, Tompolo, accompanied by High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to insiders, the meeting, which lasted several hours, marked Tompolo’s first public political outing in nearly a decade.
While initial reports described the gathering as a discussion on peace and security in the Niger Delta, sources close to both camps revealed that politics dominated the agenda.
“It is true, the meeting held,” a close associate of Jonathan confirmed. “Niger Delta stakeholders feel President Tinubu has done a lot for the region, look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So, everyone feels we should back Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support Tinubu.”
Pressed further on whether Jonathan was nursing a 2027 ambition, the source admitted:
“Yes, he was considering it.”
Another insider from Tompolo’s camp described the encounter as “historic,” noting that “it was the first time in ten years that Tompolo would visit anyone, and that alone shows the importance of the meeting.”
Tompolo, a known ally of President Tinubu, currently oversees the renewed multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract initially awarded to him during the Buhari administration. He also leads a grassroots mobilization platform, the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, promoting Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.
According to a source privy to discussions, Tompolo was frank with the former president:
“He told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans is no longer in favor of his rumored ambition and that most of them prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”
The source added that Tompolo cited the examples of Patience Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, both of whom have reportedly aligned with Tinubu’s re-election efforts.
“Tompolo reminded him that Mrs. Jonathan had publicly endorsed Tinubu and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and planned defection to the APC showed the region’s political direction.”
Another participant at the meeting disclosed that Tompolo warned Jonathan not to be misled by political figures urging him to challenge Tinubu.
“He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest, given his performance so far. Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”
However, Tompolo was said to have assured Jonathan that he didn’t need to join the APC to back Tinubu’s re-election, but could instead use his statesmanly influence to deliver regional support for the President.
According to a source, Jonathan listened attentively and acknowledged Tompolo’s points.
“President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and the wisdom in his submissions. He promised to consider the advice carefully and make his decision known in due course.”
After the closed-door session, Tompolo declined to speak to journalists, but Jonathan briefly addressed reporters, downplaying the political undertone.
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”
