Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to drop any plan to contest the 2027 presidential election, as some prominent figures in the Niger Delta intensify moves to persuade him to instead back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Reports have it that former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is spearheading the regional effort urging Jonathan to shelve his alleged ambition and rally behind the president.

It was gathered that Tompolo, accompanied by some close allies — including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and Joshua Maciver, the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election — paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16.

The closed-door meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, was Tompolo’s first major public appearance in nearly a decade, indicating the weight of his mission.

Political, Not Peace Meeting

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that the visit centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple reliable sources confirmed that the discussions were primarily political.

According to sources close to both men, the meeting’s main agenda was to dissuade Jonathan from contesting and to solicit his support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

A top Jonathan associate who confirmed the meeting but requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, told Just News:

“Yes, the meeting held. The feeling among Niger Delta leaders is that Tinubu has done quite well for the region. They pointed to projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university approved for Ogoni land, and other federal initiatives. That’s the message Tompolo brought — that Jonathan should not run but should support Tinubu.”

When asked whether Jonathan was indeed considering a return to the presidential race, the associate said:

“Yes, he was considering it, but consultations are ongoing.”

‘It Was a Historic Visit’

Another source close to Tompolo described the visit as “historic,” noting that it was the first time in ten years the ex-militant leader would personally visit any political figure.

“That alone shows how important this meeting was,” the source said.

Tompolo, who has been openly supportive of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of his multi-billion-naira pipeline surveillance contract through Tantita Security Services — a role first granted under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

He also reportedly leads a grassroots mobilisation structure known as the “PBAT Door-to-Door Movement”, which canvasses support for Tinubu across the Niger Delta.

‘Niger Deltans Prefer Continuity’

Further details obtained by Just News revealed that Tompolo told Jonathan that the “psyche of Niger Deltans” no longer aligned with a comeback attempt, warning that regional sentiment now favours continuity under President Tinubu.

“Tompolo was very blunt with him,” a source disclosed. “He said the people of the Niger Delta are no longer disposed to supporting him for another run and that the general mood favours Tinubu to continue till 2031.”

According to the source, Tompolo also advised the former president to take a cue from his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, both of whom have publicly aligned with the president’s re-election efforts.

“Tompolo reminded him that Mrs. Jonathan has already endorsed President Tinubu and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and planned defection to the APC are clear signals that the region is moving in that direction,” the source added.

‘No One Can Defeat Tinubu Now’

Another insider who attended the meeting said Tompolo cautioned Jonathan not to be swayed by political loyalists urging him to challenge the president, warning that he might not secure “home support.”

“He told him clearly that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest given his performance and political strength so far,” the insider said. “Tompolo argued that most Nigerians — especially in the South — are leaning toward continuity.”

The ex-militant leader reportedly assured Jonathan that he does not need to join the APC to support Tinubu, suggesting that he could maintain his status as an elder statesman while using his influence to mobilise support for the president in 2027.

Jonathan Listened, Promised to Reflect

According to sources, Jonathan listened attentively throughout the meeting and thanked Tompolo for the visit and his frank submissions.

“The former president appreciated the visit and said he would review the advice carefully,” one source told Just News. “He promised to make his position known at the appropriate time.”

Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the meeting, but Jonathan later told reporters that the discussion focused mainly on peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues raised by stakeholders to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful.”

Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic remarks, insiders insist the political undertone of the meeting was unmistakable, especially as more Niger Delta elites appear to be closing ranks around President Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

‘Jonathan Remains Respected’

Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed reports of Jonathan’s 2027 ambition, describing them as speculative.

“I’m not aware that Jonathan is running,” he said. “Until he declares himself, it’s just rumour. And as for Tompolo’s visit, it’s normal — Jonathan remains a respected leader in the Niger Delta.”

Eradiri noted that Jonathan remains widely revered for his role in the Amnesty Programme initiated under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, saying:

“It’s natural for anyone visiting Bayelsa to pay him homage. Whether there was political persuasion or not, we can’t say, but he remains a father figure in the region.”

President Bola Tinubu has charged the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, and devoid of violence, stressing that credible polls are the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy and public trust.

The President gave the charge on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after administering the oath of office on the new electoral chief, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate a week ago.

Tinubu described Amupitan’s elevation as a vote of confidence from both the executive and legislative arms, urging him to guard the integrity of the electoral process with “the highest level of patriotism and discipline.”

“I, therefore, urge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this assignment, to protect the integrity of our elections and the institutional capacity of INEC,” Tinubu said.
“Your first test will be the November 2025 Anambra governorship election. I wish you success on that assignment.”

He noted that since 1999, Nigeria’s democracy had matured through reforms and lessons learned from previous challenges, but added that the electoral system must now go beyond rhetoric and stand as a model of credibility.

“Our democracy has come a long way,” Tinubu remarked. “To ensure that it continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral system must be beyond reproach.”

He emphasized that every stage of the process — from voter registration to campaigns, media access, voting, counting, and collation — must reflect transparency, inclusivity, and peace, noting that the strength of democracy lies in the people’s ability to trust the process.

“Elections safeguard the people’s exclusive right to choose their leaders,” Tinubu said. “We must continue to improve the system, learn from yesterday, and innovate for tomorrow.”

Amupitan Promises Credible Polls, Calls His Appointment ‘Divine’

In his response, Professor Amupitan pledged to uphold the Constitution and pursue credible, free, and fair elections.

Speaking to State House correspondents after taking his oath, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Law Professor from the University of Jos said his leadership would be anchored on collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

“I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Constitution,” Amupitan declared. “Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge — to ensure credible, fair, and free elections. And that, I will ensure.”

He said the success of INEC’s work would depend on the cooperation of political parties, civil society, and security agencies, stressing that “no matter how well the system is designed, it needs stakeholders’ support to function.”

Amupitan took over from Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served two consecutive terms — the longest in INEC’s history — and introduced key innovations such as BVAS and IReV to strengthen transparency.

‘We Must Restore Voter Confidence’

Upon assuming office at the commission’s headquarters, the new INEC boss vowed to restore public confidence, describing his appointment as “divine and purposeful.”

“The upcoming Anambra election is not just another poll,” Amupitan told INEC directors. “It’s a defining moment to prove our commitment to credible elections. Every voter must feel that their vote will count.”

He pledged to make staff welfare a priority, noting that the commission’s workforce plays a critical role in ensuring integrity in the electoral process.

“We expect so much from our staff, and that’s why their welfare will be central,” he said. “We’ll work tirelessly to ensure conducive conditions and adequate resources to deliver on our mandate.”

Amupitan, who hails from Kogi State — the first INEC chair from the North-Central — said his appointment came through divine orchestration.

“Maybe if I had a choice, I’d say I wouldn’t come here,” he admitted. “But from all indications, I see God moving in this country. My coming is divine. God is using this opportunity to birth a new Nigeria.”

Agbamuche-Mbu Hands Over, Praises Yakubu’s Legacy

Earlier, May Agbamuche-Mbu, the acting INEC chair, officially handed over to Amupitan. She hailed his appointment as “a call to national service of the highest order,” while reminding him that he was taking over at a crucial time with the Anambra poll approaching.

“You are stepping onto a firm and fertile ground laid by your predecessor,” she said. “Professor Yakubu’s tenure was marked by innovations that deepened transparency and voter confidence.”

She expressed confidence in Amupitan’s ability to lead, describing his appointment as “a herculean national service demanding sacrifice, patience, and wisdom.”

Amupitan’s inauguration drew attendance from his family, colleagues, and top government officials. His colleagues from the University of Jos were said to have temporarily shut down the campus in celebration of his appointment.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, all eyes will now be on Amupitan and his team — to prove that the era of credible, peaceful elections in Nigeria has truly begun.

The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed allegations of forgery and signature cloning made by Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary.

In three separate letters dated October 15, 2025, Anyanwu had raised the alarm over a letter purportedly addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the party’s planned national convention.

The PDP National Secretary claimed that the letters, which contained details of the forthcoming convention scheduled for November 15, bore his forged signature and were transmitted to INEC without his authorisation or knowledge.

“Regrettably, the quoted letter was never signed, authorised or known to me. It is shocking to have a forged or cloned version of my signature on the letter,” Anyanwu wrote in one of his correspondences.

He called on the INEC Chairman, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and prosecute those responsible for the alleged forgery.

However, the PDP Board of Trustees, in a statement released on Thursday by its Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, described the allegations as “baseless, misleading, and reprehensible.”

“While the BoT would have preferred to refrain from engaging in matters of internal administrative procedure in the public domain, the gravity of this allegation and its capacity to mislead party members and the general public necessitate a clear and factual clarification,” Wabara said.

According to him, the INEC notification letter in question was jointly signed by the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Anyanwu himself during the 102nd meeting of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on August 25, 2025.

Wabara explained that the signing was witnessed by organs and stakeholders of the party, including members of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the BoT, and other NEC members.

He further noted that Anyanwu co-signed official communications of the sub-committee on contact and mobilisation for the national convention, including letters of appointment issued to its members.

“Furthermore, Senator Anyanwu, in his capacity as sub-committee secretary, personally signed and transmitted a letter seeking financial approval for the inaugural meeting of the sub-committee,” Wabara added.

He said these verifiable correspondences, bearing Anyanwu’s authentic signature, are available in the custody of the party and the relevant convention committees.

“In view of these incontrovertible facts, the BoT finds Senator Anyanwu’s claim of forgery to be baseless, misleading, and, to say the least, reprehensible, being inconsistent with the documented record of events,” Wabara stated.

He described the forgery allegation as a “deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Party’s leadership and processes and to misinform security agencies and the general public.”

The BoT chairman reaffirmed that the PDP remains “cohesive, resolute, and unwavering” in its commitment to democratic values, transparency, and internal harmony.

He assured members that the party’s forthcoming elective national convention, scheduled to hold on November 15 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, would be “credible, unifying, and transparent.”

Wabara urged party members and supporters across the country to disregard Anyanwu’s claims, which he described as “unfounded,” and remain steadfast in their loyalty to the party.