Patience Jonathan Declares Full Support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Rules Out Return to Aso Rock
In a heartfelt and candid speech on Saturday night in Abuja, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, firmly ruled out any plans of returning to Aso Rock, throwing her full support behind the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
Dame Jonathan, who was honored with the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award by Accolade Dynamics Limited, used the platform to advocate for national unity through rotational leadership. Reiterating her belief in Nigeria’s “turn-by-turn” system of governance, she emphasized that respecting political turns is essential to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward,” she told the audience, acknowledging the presence of Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
With characteristic charisma and frankness, Dame Jonathan praised Folashade for standing with Nigerian women, saying, “Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women. Carry them along; they are with you. All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents.”
Known for her directness, Jonathan added, “I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.”
The former First Lady also used the occasion to quash any speculation about a political comeback, stating clearly that she has no desire to return to the pressures of public office.
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she declared with a smile. “Don’t you like how young I look? It’s because I have rest of mind. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there!”
Dame Jonathan further pledged to campaign alongside Oluremi Tinubu, calling her a true friend and leader. “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her,” she said.
While accepting her award, she dedicated the honor to the many women who have worked tirelessly for the betterment of Nigerian society. She also renewed her advocacy for women’s inclusion in governance, calling on lawmakers to revisit the 35% affirmative action target for women, which continues to face rejection in the National Assembly.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 percent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out,” she lamented. “May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them.”