Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly under mounting pressure from key figures in the Niger Delta to shelve any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election and instead support the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to reliable party and regional sources, the move is being coordinated by prominent Niger Delta stakeholders, including ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Sources revealed that Tompolo recently led a delegation to Jonathan’s country home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on October 16, 2025, to personally appeal to the former president to withdraw from any potential contest. He was accompanied by Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), and Mr. Joshua Maciver, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa State election, among others.
While the meeting was publicly described as a discussion on peace and security in the Niger Delta, sources close to both camps disclosed that the primary focus was political — urging Jonathan to reconsider his alleged ambition and back Tinubu’s continuation in office.
One insider familiar with the meeting said:
“Tompolo met with Dr. Jonathan in Otuoke in what was a friendly reunion. Contrary to public reports that it was about regional peace, the discussion centred on persuading the former president to abandon any presidential ambition in 2027. He was advised that the mood in the Niger Delta does not favour his return and that most regional stakeholders currently support President Tinubu’s re-election.”
Tompolo, who also leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, a grassroots coalition advocating for President Tinubu’s second term, reportedly warned that Jonathan might struggle to secure local backing if he chose to run.
Another source disclosed that Jonathan listened to the delegation’s counsel and promised to reflect carefully before making any formal declaration about his political future.
Speaking briefly with journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan stated that the visit was primarily to “review the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta.” He, however, did not confirm or deny discussions regarding his 2027 political plans.
The development comes amid renewed realignments within major political blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political observers note that Jonathan’s name has periodically surfaced in national discussions as a possible consensus candidate, though he has not publicly confirmed any interest.
Meanwhile, several Niger Delta and regional political groups have openly declared support for President Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that continuity would consolidate recent infrastructural and security gains in the region.
Context:
Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, a former president who has served one full term is eligible to contest again, provided they have not served two terms in total. However, political analysts say the likelihood of Jonathan’s return to power remains slim, given the shifting alliances within both the PDP and the APC, as well as Tinubu’s firm hold on the ruling party.
