Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has firmly ruled out any plans to return to the Aso Rock Villa, stating she would instead support First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan made the declaration on Saturday night while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 Award, presented by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja. She acknowledged Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Nigeria’s Iyaloja-General, during her acceptance speech.
“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. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it,” Jonathan affirmed.
‘I Believe in Turn-by-Turn Leadership’
The former First Lady emphasized her belief in Nigeria’s rotational leadership model, saying she supports unity and progress through mutual respect for political transitions.
“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,” she stated.
Jonathan recounted her longstanding relationship with Remi Tinubu, which she said dates back to before either of them entered the presidential villa. She praised the First Lady and her husband, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting her family during the 2011 elections.
“Even when my husband was vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us. I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend,” she added.
‘I’m Not Going Back to the Villa’
Jonathan made it clear that she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock and is content to stand by Remi Tinubu’s side in the coming elections.
“I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she said, joking that she now looks forward to teasing the current First Lady the way she was once teased in office.
Calls for Gender Equality in Politics
Jonathan also used the opportunity to speak on the issue of 35% affirmative action for women, criticizing the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of 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.
Award Recognizes Years of Advocacy
The former First Lady dedicated the award to the efforts of her NGOs — the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative — and all those working to promote women’s health and economic well-being.
“I accept this honour not just as personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me,” she concluded.
Ms. Dofan Chizaram, CEO of Accolade Dynamics, said the event was organized to honor leaders who have made lasting contributions to women’s empowerment and community development across Nigeria and Africa.
