Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has announced she will not seek a return to the Aso Rock Villa, opting instead to campaign alongside Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan made this statement while accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night, acknowledging Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
“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. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it,” Jonathan stated, expressing her support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Jonathan, who has long supported the idea of rotational leadership, stressed the importance of unity and national progression under a “turn-by-turn” system.
“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.
Jonathan stressed her long standing relationship with Remi Tinubu, which predates their time in Aso Rock.
She recalled the support given by Remi Tinubu and the President during her and her husband’s 2011 presidential campaign.
“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,” she explained.
“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.”
Jonathan made it clear that she would not return to the Villa and would instead focus on supporting Senator Tinubu in her campaign efforts.
She said, “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.
“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.”
Jonathan also voiced her support for the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, expressing disappointment at 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,” she said.
She described the award as recognition of collective efforts in advancing women’s health and economic well-being, highlighting the work of her NGOs, Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative.
“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 stated.
Ms. Dofan Chizaram, Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, described the event as a celebration of individuals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria and Africa 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.