Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing mounting pressure from Niger Delta leaders to abandon any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
According to Vanguard, ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, led a delegation to Jonathan’s Otuoke home on October 16. He was accompanied by Tantita Security Services MD, Chief Kestin Pondi, and APC chieftain Joshua Maciver.
Though the meeting was presented as a discussion on peace in the Niger Delta, insiders said it was “purely political.” Tompolo, who heads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement for Tinubu’s re-election, reportedly urged Jonathan to drop his speculated 2027 ambition, warning that regional and national sentiment no longer favours him.
“Tompolo told him that most Niger Deltans now prefer Tinubu’s continuation in office,” a source revealed, adding that the former militant leader cautioned Jonathan he might lack local support if he ran.
Jonathan, however, told journalists after the meeting that the visit was mainly to review peace efforts in the region.
While some northern politicians have been urging Jonathan to challenge Tinubu in 2027, critics argue that the former president’s chances remain slim, citing public memory of his past administration.
