Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has ruled out any intention of returning to Nigeria’s presidential villa, declaring her full support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an award ceremony held in Abuja on Saturday, where she received the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, Dame Jonathan reaffirmed her commitment to backing the current administration.
According to a 9am News report, the former First Lady praised Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s Iyaloja-General, for championing women’s causes across the country.
“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,” Jonathan said.
She noted that she and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, received notable support from the Tinubu family during the 2011 presidential campaign and emphasized the importance of reciprocating that goodwill.
The former First Lady dismissed any speculation about a political comeback, stating clearly, “I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.” She added that she now enjoys peace of mind and a youthful appearance, thanks to her stress-free life outside the rigours of the presidency.
In an emotional address, Dame Jonathan also pledged to campaign alongside Remi Tinubu, saying, “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her.”
She called for 35% affirmative action for women in governance and urged male lawmakers to stop rejecting gender equality bills in the National Assembly, emphasizing that women are “partners in progress, not rivals.”
Jonathan dedicated her award to Nigerian women committed to health, education, and empowerment, highlighting the contributions of her foundations — the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative — in providing skills training and medical support to women and children.
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