Dame Patience Jonathan, former First Lady of Nigeria, has confirmed she will not return to Aso Rock, but instead will campaign in support of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement made on Saturday night, following her receipt of the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja, Jonathan declared her support for the principle of rotational leadership, emphasizing the importance of a “turn-by-turn” model for national unity.
Addressing the audience, Jonathan expressed her longstanding respect for Senator Tinubu, noting their deep-rooted relationship that dates back to their time as wives of governors.
She reflected on the support she and her husband received from Senator Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu during their 2011 presidential campaign.
“I didn’t know Oluremi just because she’s the First Lady.
We’ve worked together for years,” Jonathan said.
“From when I was a deputy governor’s wife, to a governor’s wife, we worked as a group. Oluremi and her husband supported us when we first ran for office, and I cannot abandon my friend now.”
Jonathan emphasized that, while she respects the leadership of the current president, she stands firmly with Senator Oluremi Tinubu in this election cycle. “I am not going back to the villa.
I will campaign with my friend, and I’ll tease her just like she teased me when I was there,” she added, underscoring her commitment to supporting her long-time friend through the 2027 election.
On gender equality, Jonathan spoke passionately about the need for more women in governance.
She voiced her support for the 35 percent affirmative action for women, which has been repeatedly blocked by the National Assembly, lamenting the lack of progress in electing more women into political offices despite previous commitments made during the Obasanjo administration.
“We are not trying to take power from the men, but to support them,” she stated, urging lawmakers to recognize the value women bring to leadership and governance.
Jonathan, who was honored for her contributions to women’s health and economic empowerment, also highlighted the work of her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative.
Through these organizations, she has helped thousands of women and youths gain skills and supported children in need of critical medical care abroad.
In accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, she dedicated it to the many individuals who have supported her efforts to improve women’s well-being in Nigeria and beyond.