Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared her unwavering support for First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, firmly ruling out any ambitions of returning to the Aso Rock Villa.
Speaking at an award ceremony in Abuja on Saturday night, where she was honoured as Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Mrs Jonathan pledged to campaign alongside Remi Tinubu for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, describing their relationship as longstanding and deeply rooted in mutual respect.
She said, “I will not return to the Villa. I told her (Remi Tinubu) I would campaign with her. I’m not running. If you call me, I will not go. Let my friend enjoy her time—I’m here to support her, just like she supported me.”
Jonathan, known for her frank and emotive public remarks, endorsed the principle of rotational leadership, popularly known as “turn-by-turn,” as vital to Nigeria’s unity.
“There is only one president at a time,” she said. “When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back so that the country can move forward. I believe in turn-by-turn. That is how Nigeria can work.”
Acknowledging the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Jonathan praised the Tinubu family’s support for women in leadership.
“Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women. These are your women—carry them along. We are with you. No shaking,” she said.
The former First Lady recounted her longstanding friendship with Senator Tinubu, noting that their friendship predates their time in the State House.
“I’ve known Oluremi since I was the deputy governor’s wife. We worked together as a group. Even during our 2011 presidential campaign, she and her husband supported us,” Jonathan recalled. “I cannot abandon my friend. This is turn-by-turn; when it’s your time, go, and when it’s not, support others.”
On a lighter note, she joked that her youthful looks were a result of staying away from the pressures of political office.
“People say, ‘Mama, you are young!’ It’s because I have rest of mind. I don’t want to go back there. Let my friend be there, and let me tease her the way she teased me when I was there,” she quipped.
Beyond politics, Jonathan used the occasion to reaffirm her commitment to women’s empowerment and gender inclusion in governance. She expressed disappointment over the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we fought for 35 per cent affirmative action, and my husband continued it. But when it comes to elective positions, men still dominate. May God touch their hearts to see that we are not enemies—we are their mothers, sisters, and partners,” she said.
In accepting her award, Mrs Jonathan emphasized that the honour was not hers alone but belonged to all who have contributed to improving the lives of women in Nigeria.
She said, “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. This is not just about me—it is a tribute to the many men and women who have worked tirelessly to promote women’s health and economic well-being across Nigeria and beyond.”
