Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly under intense pressure to abandon his speculated 2027 presidential ambition and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to reliable sources, the pressure is being led by key Niger Delta figures, including ex-militant leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Some of Jonathan’s kinsmen have also urged him to shelve any plans to return to power and instead back Tinubu’s second-term bid.
Tompolo reportedly visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on October 16, accompanied by Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, and Mr. Joshua Maciver, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election.
Insiders said the visit was mainly political, aimed at convincing Jonathan to drop his 2027 ambition. Tompolo told him that the prevailing mood in the Niger Delta does not favour his return and that the region largely supports Tinubu’s continuation in office.
He warned that Jonathan might not enjoy the expected “home support” if he decided to contest.
A source said Jonathan listened attentively and promised to reflect on Tompolo’s advice before making his position public.
After the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told journalists that Tompolo’s visit was to review peace in the Niger Delta, without confirming or denying any discussion about his 2027 political plans.