Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing growing pressure from influential figures in the Niger Delta to abandon any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

According to reports by Vanguard, the appeal is being championed by ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, along with other regional leaders.

Tompolo, alongside Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, and Joshua Maciver, the APC Deputy Governorship candidate in Bayelsa’s 2023 election, reportedly met Jonathan at his Otuoke residence on October 16.

Though publicly described as a meeting to review peace in the Niger Delta, sources revealed that the discussions were largely political.

Tompolo was said to have urged Jonathan to step back from a possible 2027 bid, warning that public and regional sentiment no longer favours his return. He also reportedly noted that the majority of Niger Deltans now lean toward Tinubu’s continued leadership, cautioning that Jonathan might not enjoy the same home support as before.

Tompolo, who leads the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, a grassroots group backing Tinubu, reportedly advised the former president to prioritize regional unity over political ambition.

Sources said Jonathan acknowledged the advice and promised to reflect on it before declaring his stance.

However, addressing journalists after the meeting, Jonathan played down the political angle, insisting that the visit focused on sustaining peace and development in the Niger Delta region.