Fresh political pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to abandon any plan of contesting the 2027 presidential election, as powerful voices from the Niger Delta rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.

Findings by The Bureau News reveal that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has emerged as the leading figure in a growing regional campaign to dissuade Jonathan from returning to the presidential race.

Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including High Chief Kestin Pondi — Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited — and Joshua Maciver, the deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 Bayelsa election, paid a surprise private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16, 2025.

The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, was Tompolo’s first public outing in nearly a decade — a sign, sources say, of the “gravity and urgency” of his mission.

Behind Closed Doors: The Political Mission of Tompolo

Although both men told reporters the visit was about “peace and stability” in the Niger Delta, insiders confirmed to The Bureau News that the discussions were deeply political and centered on the 2027 elections.

“Yes, the meeting held,” a close Jonathan ally confirmed. “Stakeholders in the Niger Delta believe President Tinubu has done a lot for the region — from the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to the new university in Ogoni land. That’s why Tompolo urged the former President to support Tinubu’s re-election instead of running.”

Another source revealed that Jonathan, though initially considering a comeback, listened carefully as Tompolo made a passionate appeal for unity and continuity. “He was honest,” the source added. “He told Jonathan that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to complete his programmes till 2031.”

Tompolo’s Message: ‘Borrow a Leaf From Your Wife’

According to sources, Tompolo reminded Jonathan that his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, had already thrown her public support behind President Tinubu. He also noted that Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri was aligning with the same movement and preparing to switch allegiance from the PDP to the APC.

“Tompolo told him bluntly that the people’s psyche is no longer in favour of a comeback,” another insider said. “He asked him to borrow a leaf from his wife and Diri — to stand with Tinubu as a statesman, not as a rival.”

A Renewed Alliance in the Niger Delta

Tompolo’s renewed activism marks a political turning point. Beyond leading the multi-billion-naira pipeline surveillance contract for the Federal Government, he also heads the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, a grassroots mobilization network working to deliver Tinubu’s re-election across the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Analysts say the endorsement of Tinubu by such influential figures could reshape the 2027 political landscape, particularly in regions that once stood firmly behind Jonathan.

Jonathan’s Response: Diplomatic but Measured

While maintaining his trademark composure, Jonathan told journalists after the meeting that the discussion focused on peace and unity in the region.

“Since I left office, we haven’t seen each other. Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in maintaining unity and peace in the Niger Delta,” Jonathan said. “We discussed ways to sustain peace and protect our oil installations.”

However, multiple credible insiders insist that the political undertone dominated the meeting. “Jonathan appreciated Tompolo’s advice and promised to reflect deeply on it before making his decision,” one close aide disclosed.

‘Tompolo’s Visit Was Historic’ — Associates Say

Within Tompolo’s circle, the visit was described as historic — not only because of the personalities involved but also because of its symbolism. “For a man who has stayed off public politics for almost ten years to re-emerge just to deliver this message says everything,” an aide noted.

Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed speculations of a Jonathan comeback, describing them as political gossip. “Until he declares, it’s all rumours,” he said. “Tompolo visiting Jonathan is natural — out of respect for his leadership, not necessarily a political endorsement.”

Still, many observers believe the tide in the Niger Delta is shifting decisively in favour of Tinubu’s re-election — with regional leaders choosing influence and stability over nostalgia and political revival.

As one source put it, “The Niger Delta no longer wants to go back. Tompolo’s visit wasn’t just a courtesy call — it was a message of finality.”