2027: Patience Jonathan rules out Aso Rock return, declares full support for Remi Tinubu

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has made it clear that she has no plans of returning to Aso Rock, pledging her unwavering support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Saturday night in Abuja while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, Dame Jonathan reiterated her commitment to rotational leadership, which she described as essential for the country’s unity.

“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 declared.

Addressing the gathering, she acknowledged the presence of Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, President Bola Tinubu’s daughter and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, thanking her for standing with Nigerian women. She assured, “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.”

Recalling her long-standing relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu, Dame Jonathan noted that their friendship started during their days as wives of state governors and deputy governors. She revealed that the bond remained strong even after her husband, Goodluck Jonathan, became vice president and later president.

“I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) because she’s the First Lady. No, we worked together. We were a group when I was a deputy governor’s wife and when I became a governor’s wife. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi and her husband supported us. For me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not,” she stated.

Dame Jonathan reaffirmed that she has no interest in a political comeback and intends to fully back Senator Tinubu’s tenure.

“I stand by my friend. 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. People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ It is because I have rest of mind. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there,” she joked.

She also used the event to push for the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, expressing regret over the National Assembly’s refusal to pass gender equality bills.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 per cent. My husband maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them,” she appealed.

Receiving her award, Dame Jonathan dedicated it to women and men who have joined her in advocating for better health and economic opportunities for women in Nigeria and beyond, noting it as a symbol of collective progress.