Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has ruled out any political comeback, throwing her full support behind First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night at the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 Award ceremony organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan said her loyalty lies with rotational leadership, adding that Nigeria can only progress if the principle of “turn-by-turn” is upheld.
“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 declared.
Okay.ng reports that Jonathan was joined at the event by Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of the President and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. In her remarks, the former First Lady praised Tinubu-Ojo’s role in empowering women and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to the Tinubu family.
“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,” she said.
Patience Jonathan took the opportunity to reflect on her relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu, revealing that their bond predates their years in Aso Rock.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. Even when my husband was vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us.”
Rejecting speculation of a political return, Jonathan made it clear that her role now is to support from outside the corridors of power.
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go. Don’t you like how young I look? It is because I have rest of mind.”
She jokingly added, “Let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there!”
Beyond politics, the former First Lady used the platform to call for the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance. She criticised the National Assembly for failing to pass gender equality bills.
“We are not trying to take power from men — we are trying to support them. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends,” she said.
In her acceptance speech, Jonathan dedicated her award to all who have worked with her to advance the rights and well-being of women across Nigeria and Africa.
“I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women.”
