Nigeria: 2027 - Tinubu Urged to Back Tompolo for Grassroots Mobilisation

What the report says

A Niger Delta stakeholder, Chief Ebi Nelson, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give stronger recognition to Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, in efforts to build grassroots backing for Tinubu’s planned 2027 re-election campaign. The appeal, reported by Vanguard and distributed by AllAfrica, was made in an open letter and centers on Tompolo’s alleged role in mobilising support through the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.

Nelson described Tompolo as a key figure from the Niger Delta struggle who, in his view, has already aligned himself politically with Tinubu and is helping to campaign without waiting for support from the ruling All Progressives Congress. He said the mobilisation effort reportedly includes reaching communities across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with local resources and vehicles being used to support outreach. The article presents these claims as Nelson’s assertions rather than independently verified facts.

The stakeholder also urged Tinubu not to let tensions around the pipeline surveillance contract tied to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company associated with Tompolo, weaken that political relationship. Nelson argued that effective political work in the Niger Delta depends on people with deep local ties and understanding of riverine communities. More broadly, the piece reflects the growing early positioning around Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest, as allies and regional actors begin to shape support networks ahead of the election.