Dame Patience Jonathan Declares Support for Remi Tinubu, Rules Out Return to Aso Rock
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Dame Patience Jonathan Declares Support for Remi Tinubu, Rules Out Return to Aso Rock
Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has firmly ruled out any return to Aso Rock, stating her full support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, Jonathan affirmed her commitment to backing the Tinubu administration and praised the principle of rotational leadership as vital for national unity.
Jonathan made these remarks while honoring the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.
“I was supposed to mention her first, but I saved her for last—the daughter of our wonderful President, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu,” she said. “Iyaloja, thank you for standing by women. These are your women. Carry them along—we are with you all the way.”
Expressing her characteristic candor, Jonathan continued, “There is only one president at a time. I am outspoken—if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I do, I give my full support. I believe in the principle of ‘turn-by-turn.’ When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not, step back so the country can move forward.”
Jonathan emphasized her longstanding relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu, which she said began long before their time as First Ladies. She recounted their collaboration during her husband’s political career, highlighting the Tinubus’ support during the 2011 presidential elections.
“We worked together when I was deputy governor’s wife, governor’s wife—even when my husband was vice president. Remi Tinubu and her husband stood with us. So, I have a conscience. I can’t abandon my friend.”
Dispelling any speculation about a return to power, she said, “I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I won’t go. I enjoy my rest—people say, ‘Mama, you look so young!’ That’s because I have peace of mind. Let my friend be there. I will ‘wahala’ her now, the way she teased me back then.”
Jonathan also used the platform to advocate for greater female participation in governance, backing the 35% affirmative action for women and lamenting the repeated failure of gender equality bills in the National Assembly.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we pushed for it and got Executive approval. My husband upheld it. But when it comes to elective positions, men still dominate. May God touch their hearts—we’re not trying to take power from them. We’re trying to support them.”
Accepting her award, Jonathan said it represented the collective achievements of those working to uplift women’s health and economic status.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this award. It’s not just about me—it reflects the efforts of many women and men committed to improving lives across Nigeria.”
She spotlighted the ongoing work of her NGOs, Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, which have empowered thousands of women and youth through skills training and funded critical medical interventions for children.
Accolade Dynamics’ CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, described the evening as a celebration of leadership and community development.
“This night is about honoring those who have made an impact—uplifting women and transforming communities. We celebrate them now, while they are here with us,” she said.
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