Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has dismissed the possibility of her husband, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, running against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Instead, she pledged her family’s support for Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing the couple’s longstanding friendship with the Tinubus.
Speaking on Saturday at the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award in Abuja, organized by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Mrs Jonathan emphasized loyalty and reciprocity as reasons for their decision.
She recalled how President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, backed her husband’s campaign in 2011.
“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 said.
She also paid tribute to Tinubu’s daughter, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, who was present at the event. “I was supposed to call her (Tinubu’s daughter) 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.”
Mrs Jonathan stressed that her support for Tinubu is not political opportunism but based on personal history and conscience.
“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.”
Despite ongoing calls for Jonathan to contest again, including a recent appeal by Dr Jibril Mustapha of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation, Mrs Jonathan remained resolute.
“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.”
She added humorously that retirement suits her well. “I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ It is because I have rest of mind, yes.”
“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! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now she won’t be young.”
Patience Jonathan also used the platform to advocate for increased women’s representation in governance, criticizing the National Assembly for its repeated rejection of gender equality bills.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it and the executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out.”
“May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them, we are trying to support them.”
Receiving the 2025 Women Icon Leader of the Year award, she described it as a collective honor.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award.”
“I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond.”
She highlighted the impact of her NGOs, Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, noting their role in empowering women, supporting youth, and aiding children in need of medical care abroad.
Accolade Dynamics CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, who hosted the event, said the occasion was to honor individuals who have made notable contributions to leadership and community development.
“This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” she said.
