Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has pledged to join forces with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in rallying support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at the Women Icon Leadership Award ceremony organized by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday, Mrs Jonathan emphasized her loyalty to the Tinubu family and reiterated her belief in the principle of rotational presidency as a tool for national unity and stability.
“I believe in turn-by-turn leadership. When it’s your turn, I’ll support you. When it’s not your turn, step back so the country can move forward,” she declared, ruling out any personal ambition to return to the Aso Rock Villa.
While accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, the ex-First Lady showered praises on the First Lady and her daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, for their role in championing women’s causes.
“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. I believe in one president,” she affirmed.
Mrs Jonathan also recalled her long-standing relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu dating back to when her husband, Goodluck Jonathan, served as Deputy Governor and later Governor of Bayelsa State. She said the Tinubus supported them during the 2011 presidential campaign and that she remains grateful.
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she stated humorously, noting that peace of mind—not power—keeps her youthful and fulfilled.
The former First Lady also voiced her support for the 35% affirmative action for women in governance, calling on the National Assembly to pass gender equality bills. She vowed to mobilize women across the country to demand more inclusion in elective and appointive positions.
She said, “We are not trying to take power from men—we are trying to support them. We are their mothers, sisters, and friends.”
Mrs Jonathan further highlighted the humanitarian work of her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have impacted thousands of women, youth, and sick children through empowerment and health support initiatives.
The event’s convener, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, lauded the honourees for their contributions to leadership, mentorship, and community development across Nigeria and the African continent.
“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.
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