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.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing one of its most turbulent periods in recent history, with waves of defections and worsening internal crises threatening its survival ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a concerted attempt to halt the party’s rapid decline, PDP governors and key stakeholders met in Abuja last night to map out urgent strategies to salvage what remains of the party.

The emergency meeting, which took place at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, brought together a mix of current and former governors and influential party leaders.

Attendees included Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum; Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; former governors Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Achike Udenwa (Imo), among others.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s entrance turned heads, as he arrived in a black G-Wagon, clad in a black jalabiya and white cap, a symbolic presence, given his recent statements and strained relationship with the PDP mainstream.

High on the agenda was how to mitigate the fallout from recent defections and restore unity within the party before the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, and a possible convention in August.

Party insiders have expressed concern that if key grievances are not resolved swiftly, the NEC meeting may be disrupted or cancelled, potentially derailing the August convention entirely.

The defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta to the APC have been described by party leaders as a “body blow.”

The April 14, 2025, PDP Governors Forum meeting had resolved not to pursue any coalition against the ruling APC, declaring instead that the PDP would remain open to welcoming other groups willing to join its quest to reclaim power in 2027.

However, shortly after that resolution, Wike granted an interview voicing his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, stoking fresh tensions within the party.

The Delta defections triggered a domino effect, with lawmakers in Jigawa State and other figures also crossing over to the APC.

The three PDP senators from Kebbi State are reportedly preparing to defect, and speculation is rife that the governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and the lone PDP governor in the Southeast may also jump ship.

Further complicating matters, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan recently announced her support for President Tinubu in 2027.

This declaration appears to close the door on any potential comeback bid by former President Goodluck Jonathan on the PDP platform.

Many observers had hoped Jonathan might recontest under a one-term agreement to help unify the party and appeal to both northern and southern blocs.

As one source close to the party’s leadership put it, “the North, unhappy with Tinubu’s leadership, might back a Southerner from the PDP, but only under the assurance that power will rotate back to the North in 2031.”

Jonathan, who is constitutionally eligible to serve one more term, was seen as a unifying figure. But with Dame Jonathan’s public support for Tinubu, that option now seems out of reach.

The meeting also touched on legal uncertainties surrounding the party’s National Secretary.

According to a source in the PDP’s National Working Committee, a resolution has been reached: “the deputy national secretary will continue to act in the position until the August convention.”

Another pressing issue is the uncertain status of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Although he has not officially joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), speculation continues to swirl.

The PDP governors are reportedly eager to clarify Atiku’s intentions and may discuss whether to cede the 2027 presidential ticket to a Southerner on the condition of a one-term presidency.

This topic remains divisive. Some northern PDP figures argue that if the South is likely to seek two terms, it may be more strategic to let Tinubu complete his term and support a northern candidate in 2031.

The Abuja meeting came three weeks after the governors’ previous gathering in Ibadan, where they declared that the PDP would not participate in any coalition talks involving Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Delta Governor Oborevwori was notably absent from that meeting.

Within the PDP, three main blocs are emerging ahead of the NEC meeting on May 27: the governors’ bloc, the Atiku camp, and Wike’s loyalists.

Their ability to reconcile differences may determine whether the party can stabilize in time for the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has voiced confidence that the PDP will bounce back stronger. He said:

“I’m confident that all those who left the PDP will return, including Ganduje, because very soon, the APC will burst and split into factions.”

Lamido added “I said it, and I repeat: within six months, all those who defected to the APC will come back, and the PDP will rise with full force to wrest power in 2027.”

He made the comments at the PDP state congress in Dutse, where he also warned that the Tinubu administration was steering Nigeria toward instability.

“Nigeria is drifting to a tunnel of disintegration with mushroom cabals as implementers of bad policies, and the mission of President Tinubu lacks objectives of good governance for success and prosperity.”

“For us to be out of this catastrophic monopoly, all hands must be on deck in jetting out this so-called misled crop of architectors… people with failed mission and objectives.”

“I charge all our newly elected state’s PDP Exco to eschew selfishness, greed… and work tirelessly for the success of the PDP in 2027, to enact a purposeful leadership in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has described the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a strategic revival of the historical Zikist Alliance.

Okechukwu, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this assertion on Sunday in Enugu while addressing journalists.

He lauded the unanimous declaration of support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and APGA.

It will be recalled that during President Tinubu’s recent official visit to Anambra, Governor Soludo announced: “APGA has officially adopted President Tinubu.”

He added, “APGA and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would work together during the 2027 election, as both parties share a common belief in progressivism.”

Okechukwu welcomed the move as a reenactment of the Zikist Alliance of the 1950s, referencing the era when Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe served in the Western House of Assembly and Malam Umaru Altine from Sokoto was elected as the first Mayor of Enugu.

He also cited the NPN/NPP alliance during Nigeria’s Second Republic as another example of successful political collaboration.

Describing the current development as a “masterstroke,” Okechukwu said “this is a masterstroke foundation of the Nigeria which need renewal today; instead of ultra-polarisation and ethno-nationalism.

“I salute Gov. Soludo. This was my position back in 2003 when we elected Rt. Hon. Chuba Okadigbo as President Buhari’s vice presidential candidate; that Ndigbo (Igbo people) should neither disengage nor put all their eggs in one PDP’s basket.

“This is especially when Ndigbo reside and invest in all the nooks and crannies of our dear country.”

When asked about the concerns of a one-party state, Okechukwu dismissed the fear, affirming: “APC doesn’t need one party state to win in 2027.”

“Am not a fan of one party state, it’s antithetical to democracy. For me sincerely, APC doesn’t need one party state to win 2027 General Elections.

“All we need is to advance Gross National Happiness. Did not we (members of APC) win 2015, 2019 and 2023 General Elections under multi-party system?” he asked.

He emphasized that Nigeria still operates a robust multi-party system with over ten political parties and diverse political ideologies, even if alliances are forming.

Okechukwu noted: “Yes, there’s palpable phobia of one party state, because of dominance of political bandits of stomach infrastructure hue in our landscape.

“However, political bandit is like proverbial Roman god Janus with two faces. I hope am not vindicated.”

“One is not among those who underrate the opposition and the looming coalition of different tendencies, which may return us into two dominant political parties in multiparty system.”

When reminded that defections from opposition parties into the APC might undermine such a balance, Okechukwu agreed that governors are major players but emphasized the independent will of the electorate.

“But, don’t forget that the electorates are not quartered in a dormitory, therefore may not sheepishly follow the defectors as assumed.”

He added: “My takeaway lesson in my over 40 years in partisan politics is not to rate any gathering as storm in a teacup.

“My candid advice to the leadership of my great party, the APC, is not to rest on the euphoria of the gale of defections. For one anticipates gruesome electioneering campaign in 2027.”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says he is not desperate to return to office, even as calls for his reinstatement intensify.

Speaking during a service of songs in honour of late elder statesman Edwin Clark in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed comments made by members of the Rivers Elders Forum and other attendees who described him as “Governor” and openly criticised his suspension.

While acknowledging the support, Fubara distanced himself from those views, calling them personal and potentially harmful to ongoing efforts to maintain peace.

“Not everything is by oshogbe,” he said, suggesting that confrontation may not be the wisest strategy.

“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit has already left there,” he added.

Fubara also expressed concern about the conduct of some of his supporters, noting that although their actions were likely driven by goodwill, they have only served to complicate matters.

He urged those present to focus on the legacy of Edwin Clark, praising the late leader’s commitment to the Niger Delta and advising against turning the solemn event into a political stage.

Olugbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, has resigned from the party, citing deep-seated internal conflict and a lack of political direction.

In a letter dated May 9, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Mahin Ward 11 in Ilaje Local Government Area, Edema expressed his decision to end his membership, describing the party as riddled with “internal wranglings and rancour” since he joined in June 2024.

“Since joining the party in June 2024, the party has been characterised with internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party; this is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties,” he wrote.

Edema, who initially contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary before switching to NNPP, also accused the party of undermining his post-election legal challenge by pulling out of the case.

“Since my over 35 years in active political party participation, I have never seen a political party with a leadership so treacherous to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate,” he lamented.

According to him, the NNPP’s conduct stands in stark contrast to the fundamental purpose of a political party.

“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above-stated objectives of any serious-minded political party,” he said.

“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.”

Concluding his letter, Edema declared: “By this letter, therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, May 9, 2025.”