Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged by ex-militant leader Tompolo and Niger Delta elders to drop his 2027 presidential ambition and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid
Tompolo Leads Niger Delta Elders to Urge Jonathan: ‘Don’t Contest in 2027, Support Tinubu Instead’
Prominent Niger Delta leader and ex-militant commander, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has reportedly led a delegation of influential kinsmen to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan not to run for president in 2027 — urging him instead to throw his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Tompolo, who is the convener and founder of the PBAT-Door-2-Door Movement, met with Dr. Jonathan in his hometown of Otuoke, Bayelsa State, last week in what sources described as a “political intervention.” It was Tompolo’s second public appearance in over a decade.
He was accompanied by Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), and Joshua Maciver, the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa elections.
According to insiders, the meeting was cordial but strategic. Tompolo reportedly told Dr. Jonathan that the “public mood” and the psyche of the Niger Delta people did not favour his rumoured presidential ambition.
“Tompolo came and unequivocally appealed to him to shelve his rumoured presidential bid in 2027,” a source at the meeting said. “He advised our leader not to be swayed by those urging him to challenge President Tinubu. The sentiment in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria is largely in favour of Tinubu’s re-election.”
The sources further revealed that Tompolo reminded the former president that his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for a second term. He also cited the recent resignation of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, from the PDP and his anticipated defection to the APC as indicators of a shifting political tide in the South-South.
“Tompolo told Dr. Jonathan that he may not get the home support he needs if he insists on running,” another insider disclosed. “He advised him to support Tinubu in the spirit of continuity and in the interest of the South.”
The former militant leader reportedly described Tinubu’s performance as “superlative,” adding that “no one can defeat him in a free and fair contest given his achievements within three years in office.”
“Most reasonable and right-thinking Nigerians,” he was quoted as saying, “want President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue in office beyond 2027 to enable him to consolidate his reforms.”
According to the source, Tompolo stressed that Dr. Jonathan could still support Tinubu’s re-election without formally defecting to the APC, maintaining his role as a statesman and peace advocate while working quietly for national stability.
“He told Jonathan that staying neutral but supportive would serve his legacy and the region’s interest better,” the source added.
Dr. Jonathan, according to those present, listened attentively and expressed appreciation for the visit.
“President Goodluck Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged his wise counsel on the political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections,” another source said.
“He promised to review the advice and make his decision public in due course.”
Speaking briefly with reporters after the meeting, Jonathan downplayed the political angle, saying the visit focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta.
“Since I left office, we have not seen each other. Tompolo is one young man who has played a key role in the unity of our people,” Jonathan said. “There are issues people have been complaining about, so I decided to ask him so that we can have conversations to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”
Tompolo, on his part, did not speak to journalists after the meeting.
Political observers say the visit may mark the beginning of a wider Niger Delta realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, as influential regional figures position themselves within the emerging Tinubu coalition. Read More
