In a major political statement, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has announced that she will not be returning to the Presidential Villa but will instead fully support President Bola Tinubu and campaign alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan made the declaration on Saturday night during the Women Icon Leadership Awards in Abuja, organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited. She firmly backed the principle of rotational leadership—commonly called “turn-by-turn”—as essential to maintaining unity across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
“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,” Jonathan said.
In an emotionally charged moment, Jonathan praised Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, urging her to continue supporting women and remain a strong voice in national matters.
She also recounted her long-standing personal and political relationship with Remi Tinubu, which she said dates back to their years as spouses of public officials long before their time in the presidency.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. Even when my husband was Vice President, Oluremi and her husband supported us during our first election,” she said.
Jonathan emphasized that she has no political ambition to return to power, stating with clarity:
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.”
She added with humour,
“Don’t you like how young I look? It is because I have rest of mind.”
On the issue of women’s participation in governance, Jonathan threw her weight behind the 35% affirmative action policy, criticising lawmakers for consistently rejecting 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.
Her bold statements arrive amid growing speculation about political alignments as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. By openly aligning with Remi Tinubu and calling for continued unity, Jonathan’s speech may signal deeper shifts in the country’s political alliances and gender advocacy landscape.
