As former President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections is gaining traction, he is facing increasing pressure to abandon it. Niger Delta figures step up their efforts to convince him to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election instead.
According to findings by The PUNCH, the regional movement that is pressuring Jonathan to abandon his purported plans is being led by former militant commander High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo. presidential aspirations and support for President Tinubu’s campaign for a second term.
It was learnt that Tompolo was accompanied by key aides, such as High Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, and the Joshua Maciver, the All Progressives Congress’s nominee for deputy governor in the 2023 Bayelsa State election, was one of the people who made a personal trip to Jonathan at his house. on October 16, at his Otuoke residence in the Bayelsa State’s Ogbia Local Government Area.
Tompolo’s first public appearance in over ten years, which was said to have lasted for several hours, demonstrated the seriousness of his assignment.
Multiple reliable sources revealed that the visit was mostly about politics, despite initial media reports to the contrary indicating that the conversation focused on peace and security in the Niger Delta.
According to sources close to both men, Tompolo went to convince Jonathan not to run for president and to convince him to back President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.
A top The conference did take place, according to a Jonathan ally who had access to it but who did not want to be identified because they lacked the authority to talk about it.
“The meeting took place, that’s a fact,” the source stated. “Tinubu has done a lot for the Niger Delta region, as seen by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal, according to the stakeholders there. ” The university he authorized for Ogoni land, the highway, and a number of other initiatives. Therefore, everyone agrees that we ought to support President Tinubu’s reelection campaign. That’s what Tompolo met with the ex-President to talk. He begged him to back President Tinubu and not to run.
When asked if Jonathan had aspirations for the presidency, the associate said, “Yes, he was thinking about it. “
This was confirmed by a source within Tompolo’s group, who called the meeting historic.
“Tompolo had not visited anyone in ten years. The meeting’s significance is demonstrated by that alone, the source stated.
The multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract, which was initially given to Tompolo during President Tinubu’s presidency, has recently been renewed for him. Tompolo has been a vocal supporter of President Tinubu. the government of the late Muhammadu Buhari, a former president.
Tompolo is also the head of the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement,’ a grassroots political group that is organizing support for Tinubu’s reelection throughout the Niger Delta.
According to sources familiar with the meeting, Tompolo informed Jonathan that the Niger Deltans’ mindset was opposed to his. alleged desire to regain power.
According to one account, “Tompolo was very forthright with him. ” “He informed the former President that his people were no longer in a position to support him for” said another source. that the majority of Niger Deltans would like Tinubu to remain in office until 2031, as well as another presidential race.
Tompolo recommended to Jonathan to “borrow a leaf” from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who have, according to the source. They both sided with the campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.
“Tompolo noted that Governor Diri’s planned departure from the PDP and his public support for President Tinubu’s re-election had already been made by Mrs. Jonathan,” according to Tompolo. The source further stated that the area was going toward the APC, as evidenced by its defection to the party.
Tompolo advised Jonathan at the meeting not to listen to politicians who were pushing him to run against Tinubu, and he warned that he wouldn’t have the necessary “home support” to do so, according to another attendee.
“He told him point-blank that, given his performance so far, nobody can beat President Tinubu in a free and fair election,” the source stated. “The majority of Nigerians, particularly those in the South, want continuity so that Tinubu can finish his programs,” Tompolo emphasized.
According to reports, the former militant leader informed Jonathan that he could continue to be a statesman and utilize his position to support Tinubu without having to switch allegiance to the APC. his impact in handing the area to the President in 2027.
One of the sources claims that Jonathan paid close attention and promised to give Tompolo’s advice serious thought.
“President Jonathan thanked Tompolo for his visit and recognized the wisdom in his submissions,” the source stated. “He pledged to consider the advice and make his choice will be made public at the appropriate time.
Following the closed-door discussion, Tompolo refused to talk to the media, but Jonathan informed reporters that the meeting centered on preserving peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
“We haven’t seen each other since I left office,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our population. We talked about the problems people have been grumbling about in order to maintain the Niger Delta’s tranquility. He has made a significant contribution to the preservation of oil facilities and peace.
Several insiders say that the political aspect predominated the talks, even though Jonathan’s tone was diplomatic, particularly as Niger Delta elites progressively lean toward Tinubu’s reelection.
On the other hand, Udengs Eradiri, the former Labour Party nominee for governor of Bayelsa State, refuted rumors that Jonathan was plotting a comeback to power, calling such reports speculative.
“Until Jonathan comes out himself to declare, it’s just rumor,” Eradiri stated. “I am not aware that he is running. And as for Tompolo’s visit, As a leader in the Niger Delta, it is natural for him to respect Jonathan.
Because of his crucial role in helping to bring about the Amnesty Program, Jonathan is still held in high regard by Niger Delta stakeholders, he said. during his tenure as vice president under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
“Goodluck Jonathan is a leader respected by people like Tompolo at all times, any day,” he said. “Therefore, it is only normal that when Tompolo travels to Bayelsa, He would start by visiting Jonathan. I can’t say if there was any political persuasion or not. However, I don’t believe Jonathan has made any declarations. the desire to be coerced in the first place. “
