Fresh political pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon his rumored plan to contest the 2027 presidential election, as Niger Delta power brokers rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to The Punch, the campaign is being led by ex-militant leader and Tantita boss, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who recently met Jonathan in his Otuoke country home in Bayelsa State.
Inside the Secret Otuoke Meeting
Tompolo, accompanied by his close associates — High Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and Joshua Maciver, APC’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election — reportedly held a marathon meeting with Jonathan on October 16, marking Tompolo’s first major political outing in nearly a decade.
Although initial reports suggested the meeting focused on regional peace and security, sources confirmed that the real agenda was political — convincing Jonathan to drop his alleged comeback plan and instead back Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
A source close to Jonathan revealed:
“Yes, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders believe Tinubu has done well for the region — look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the new university in Ogoniland, and other projects. The consensus is that Jonathan should support Tinubu instead of running.”
Pressed on whether Jonathan was indeed nursing a 2027 ambition, the insider admitted:
“Yes, he was considering it.”
“The Region Wants Tinubu Till 2031”
Multiple sources confirmed that Tompolo spoke frankly, telling Jonathan that Niger Deltans no longer favored his presidential return.
“Tompolo told him clearly that the region prefers Tinubu to continue till 2031,” a source said. “He also reminded Jonathan that his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Governor Douye Diri have already aligned with Tinubu’s re-election movement.”
Tompolo reportedly warned Jonathan against being misled by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, stressing that the President’s performance so far has solidified his support base, particularly in the South.
“He told him point-blank that no one can defeat Tinubu in a free and fair contest at this point,” another source disclosed.
“Remain a Statesman, Deliver the Region”
Tompolo further advised Jonathan not to defect to the APC, but to act as an elder statesman who could use his influence to mobilize support for Tinubu in 2027.
Jonathan, according to insiders, listened attentively and promised to reflect on the advice.
“He appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his words. He said he would review the counsel and make his decision known in due course,” a close associate said.
Official Reactions
After the closed-door meeting, Tompolo refused to speak to journalists, while Jonathan maintained that their discussion was mainly about peace and unity in the Niger Delta.
In his brief remark, Jonathan said:
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed how to sustain peace and protect our oil installations.”
As 2027 politics begins to heat up, the Niger Delta’s political tide appears to be turning decisively in Tinubu’s favor, with heavyweights like Tompolo now at the center of the realignment.