As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, former First Lady Patience Jonathan has publicly pledged her unwavering support for the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Naturenex reports that Patience Jonathan made this known on Saturday night in Abuja while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited. During her remarks at the event, she firmly dismissed any suggestion of returning to Nigeria’s presidential villa, reaffirming that her days in Aso Rock were over.
Jonathan also spoke on the importance of rotational leadership, which she described as essential for preserving national harmony and unity. She reflected on her personal relationship with Oluremi Tinubu, emphasizing that their friendship long predates their time as First Ladies.
Speaking candidly about their bond, Jonathan stated, “I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group. We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.”
Patience Jonathan was clear about her loyalty, declaring that she would actively stand by the First Lady’s side in the coming political season. She dismissed any talk of a political comeback, making her intentions clear.
“I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she affirmed.
In addition to praising the First Lady, Jonathan extended her appreciation to Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and daughter of President Bola Tinubu, for her efforts in supporting Nigerian women.
She said, “I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.”
Jonathan further pledged solidarity with the current administration, adding, “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. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.”
Ending on a lighthearted note, she joked about the peace of mind she enjoys since leaving office, adding, “I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ it is because I have rest of mind, yes. 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! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young.”
