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Influential Niger Delta figures lobby ex-President Jonathan to back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
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Tompolo leads delegation to Otuoke, urges Jonathan to shelve presidential comeback plans.
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Former president acknowledges counsel, promises to reflect before announcing his stance.
Former President Dr Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly under mounting pressure from key Niger Delta powerbrokers to abandon any plans of returning to Aso Rock in 2027 and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, Daily Report Nigeria has learnt.
According to insider accounts, the move is being led by ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), who recently paid a closed-door visit to the former president at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State.
Sources disclosed that the meeting, which took place on October 16, 2025, was strictly political and aimed at convincing Jonathan to drop his speculated 2027 presidential ambition.
Tompolo was reportedly accompanied by the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Chief Kestin Pondi, and the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Mr Joshua Maciver, among others.
A top PDP insider familiar with the meeting said the Niger Delta leaders warned Jonathan that the region’s prevailing sentiment was not in favour of his return bid.
READ ALSO: Ex-Jonathan Aide, Dudafa, Dumps PDP for APC in Bayelsa
“Tompolo came to see His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, October 16. Contrary to rumours that the visit was about peace and security, it was purely political.
He appealed to Jonathan to drop his 2027 presidential ambition and support President Tinubu’s re-election,” the source revealed.
Tompolo, who also leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, reportedly told Jonathan that the Niger Delta bloc largely supports Tinubu’s continuation in office, adding that the former president might not enjoy “home support” if he contests.
Another insider disclosed that Jonathan appreciated the advice and promised to reflect deeply on it before making a public declaration.
“Dr Jonathan thanked Tompolo for his concern and promised to take time to reflect on the counsel before making his position known,” the source added.
However, speaking briefly to journalists after the meeting, Jonathan downplayed the political undertone, stating that the visit was to “review the prevailing peace and stability in the Niger Delta.”
“It was a friendly meeting to discuss the peace situation in our region,” Jonathan said, without confirming or denying discussions about 2027.
