Jonathan Under Pressure to Drop 2027 Presidential Bid, Support Tinubu — PDP Sources

Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing mounting pressure to abandon his speculated 2027 presidential ambition and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, according to sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Niger Delta region.

Reliable insider reports indicate that the pressure is being coordinated by influential Niger Delta leaders, notably ex-militant commander Chief Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo.

According to multiple sources, some of Jonathan’s close associates and regional stakeholders have advised him to shelve any plan to return to the presidency and align with Tinubu’s continuity agenda.

Tompolo reportedly led a delegation to Jonathan’s country home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on October 16, where he personally appealed to the former president to withdraw from the 2027 race.

The delegation included Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), and Mr. Joshua Maciver, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election, among others.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, the discussion was purely political and centred on convincing Jonathan to drop his rumored ambition.

“Tompolo came to see His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in Otuoke on Friday, October 16. Contrary to reports that the visit was about peace and security in the Niger Delta, it was purely political,” the source said.

“He appealed to the former president to shelve his 2027 presidential bid, warning that public sentiment in the Niger Delta and across much of Nigeria currently favours President Tinubu’s re-election.”

Tompolo, who also leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, a grassroots group mobilizing for Tinubu’s second term, reportedly told Jonathan that the region’s political mood does not support his return bid and that he might not enjoy the expected “home advantage” if he decides to contest.

Another insider disclosed that Jonathan listened attentively to Tompolo’s plea and “acknowledged the wisdom” in his advice, promising to reflect on it before making any public statement regarding his political future.

Speaking briefly to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan described Tompolo’s visit as part of ongoing consultations about peace and development in the region.

“Tompolo’s visit was to review the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta,” Jonathan said, without confirming or denying discussions about his alleged 2027 ambition.

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