2027: I will not return to Villa; instead, I will campaign with Remi Tinubu — Patience Jonathan.
Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has ruled out a return to Aso Rock Villa, stating instead that she will campaign with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the 2027 general elections.
The former First Lady, noted for her frank opinions, endorsed the notion of rotational leadership, citing the “turn-by-turn” approach as critical to national unity.
Jonathan stated this when recognising the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after winning the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night.
She stated, “I was meant to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our magnificent President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in, President Bola Tinubu. Thank you, Iyaloja, for supporting women, who are your constituents. Carry them; they are with you.
“All the way, we are with you.” There’s no shaking. We’ll follow. Please offer us with direction, and we will comply.
We have only one president at a time. We do not have two presidents. I am outspoken; if I do not like something, I will express it. But if I enjoy something, I’ll die for it.
“I support one president. I believe in the progressive system. When it is your turn, I will be there to support you. When it is not your turn, take a step aside to allow the country to move forward.”
Speaking further, she stated that she had a long-standing friendship with Remi Tinubu that precedes their time in Aso Rock.
Jonathan also recalled how Remi Tinubu and the president supported her and her husband when they ran for president in 2011.
She insisted that instead of returning to Aso Rock, she would support the First Lady and her husband.
She stated, “I didn’t know Senator Oluremi Tinubu just because she was the First Lady; that’s not true. We worked together. We worked as a group.
“We’re groups. We worked together while I was the wife of a deputy governor. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I spoke to Oluremi. Even when my husband was vice president, Oluremi backed us in our first election. They were supportive of us. So, I have a conscience. I can’t abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.
“Because, as you can see, this is done turn by turn. Today is my turn; I shall go. Tomorrow, it will be someone else’s turn—then we’ll go. And if we leave, will we still meet? Where shall we meet? I do not know.
“I stand with my friend. My friend is wonderful. I informed her that I would campaign alongside her. I am not denying her. I am not running. I am not going back to the villa. If you call me, I won’t go.
“I say it daily. Don’t you admire how young I appear? People exclaim, “Mama, you are young, you are young!” It’s because I have peace of mind, certainly. I don’t want to go there; let my pal go there. Let me also playfully tease her, like she did with 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. ”
She also expressed her support for the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, while lamenting the National Assembly’s 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.”
Jonathan described the honour as a recognition of collective efforts to advance women’s health and economic well-being.
She said, “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 work of her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programs and supported children with critical health conditions requiring surgery abroad.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms Dofan Chizaram, described the night as a tribute to both men and women who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, 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,” Tor said.