Former President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly facing mounting pressure from influential figures in the Niger Delta region to forgo any plans to contest the 2027 presidential election. According to sources, prominent ex-militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, visited Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Bayelsa State on October 16. The purpose of the visit, the sources say, was to appeal to the former president to shelve his alleged 2027 bid and instead throw his support behind the re-election of Bola Tinubu.
According to insiders, the Niger Delta delegation told Jonathan that the region’s sentiment was largely in favour of Tinubu’s continuity in office, and warned that his home-base support may not hold if he pursued a comeback. Jonathan was said to have acknowledged the counsel and told those present he would reflect on the matter before making any public decision.
Meanwhile, within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), debate continues over whether Jonathan should be encouraged to contest. Some party insiders view his candidacy as advantageous, arguing he could be a transitional option with only one possible term ahead. Others, however, warn of the constitutional and political risks of such a move, pointing to the two-term limit and voter concerns over his previous tenure.
Additionally, voices within the ruling party maintain a sceptical stance. The presidency has openly acknowledged Jonathan’s right to run, but also reminded the public of economic and governance challenges during his administration, suggesting that any attempt to return to power would be evaluated on those grounds.
while Jonathan has not publicly confirmed his intention to contest in 2027, the political atmosphere around him is shifting with strong encouragement both ways: to run from some quarters and to stand down from others. His next steps, observers say, will send a clear signal about the shape of future power dynamics in Nigeria.
