Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has firmly stated that she has no plans of returning to Aso Rock Villa in the 2027 elections. Instead, she has pledged her unwavering support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and her husband, President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the next general elections.
Jonathan made this declaration while attending the Women Icon Leader of the Year award ceremony in Abuja on Saturday night. The event was hosted by Accolade Dynamics Limited and saw her honoring Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of President Bola Tinubu and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Jonathan took the opportunity to praise Tinubu-Ojo for her efforts in empowering women and further noted her commitment to backing the First Lady in her endeavors.
“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,” she said.
In the same breath, Jonathan stressed the importance of loyalty and unity, emphasizing that her support for the current president would remain steadfast. “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.”
Jonathan further explained her belief in the democratic process, saying, “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.”
The former First Lady also took a moment to reflect on her longstanding relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recalling their history of working together during their respective roles as wives of deputy governors and governors. Jonathan acknowledged the support she and her husband received from the Tinubu family during their own presidential run in 2011.
Refusing to entertain any thoughts of a return to political office, Jonathan made it clear that her allegiance lies firmly with the Tinubu family.
“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.”
In a final word of commitment, Jonathan reiterated, “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.”
