Fresh pressure is mounting on former President, Goodluck Jonathan, to abandon his speculated plan to contest the presidency in 2027, as Niger Delta leaders intensify efforts to rally him behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Findings by Punch revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the regional campaign urging Jonathan to drop his alleged ambition and support Tinubu.
Recall that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, Joshua Maciver, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Bayelsa’s Ogbia Local Government Area on October 16.
According to sources, the meeting lasted several hours and marked Tompolo’s first public political appearance in almost a decade.
While earlier reports suggested the discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, insiders disclosed that the meeting was primarily political.
A source close to Jonathan confirmed to Punch that the ex-president and Tompolo’s team indeed met, with conversations focused on persuading Jonathan to back Tinubu in 2027.
The source said, “It is true, the meeting held. Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university he approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So everyone feels we should back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support President Tinubu.”
Pressed on whether Jonathan was nursing a presidential ambition, the associate added, “Yes, he was considering it.”
A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated this, describing the visit as historic.
“It was the first time in a decade that Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.
Tompolo, who has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded to him during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Tompolo also leads a grassroots political structure known as the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.
Further details from sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Tompolo told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans was not in favour of his rumoured ambition to return to power.
One source said, “Tompolo was very frank with him. He told the former President that his people were no longer disposed to supporting him for another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”
The source added that Tompolo advised Jonathan to learn from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who have both aligned themselves with the movement for Tinubu’s re-election.
The source further stated, “Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were indicators that the region was moving in that direction.”
Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo urged Jonathan not to be swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would not get the needed “home support.”
The source stated, “He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far.
“Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”
The ex-militant leader reportedly told Jonathan that he didn’t need to defect to the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a statesman and use his influence to deliver the region to the President in 2027.
According to one of the sources, Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider Tompolo’s advice carefully.
The source said, “President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions. He promised to review the counsel and make his decision known in due course.”
While Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters that the visit focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
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 issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”
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