Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has made it clear she has no intentions of returning to Aso Rock, throwing her full support behind First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Pledging to campaign alongside Mrs. Tinubu, Jonathan emphasized the importance of rotational leadership in preserving national unity.
Speaking in Abuja at an award ceremony where she was named Women Icon Leader of the Year by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan commended the role of women in leadership.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja-General, for her advocacy on behalf of women.
“Carry them along, they are with you,” Jonathan said to Tinubu-Ojo. “We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. There is only one president at a time.”
Recalling her long-standing friendship with Oluremi Tinubu, which began when their husbands served as deputy governors and governors, Jonathan noted the support she received from the Tinubu family during her husband’s 2011 campaign. That history, she said, makes her loyalty unwavering.
“I’m not going back to the villa. I won’t run. If you call me, I won’t go,” she declared. “Let my friend enjoy it. I want to tease her just like she teased me when I was there.”
Jonathan also voiced strong support for the 35% affirmative action for women in governance and criticized the National Assembly for repeatedly rejecting gender equality bills.
“We’re not trying to take power from men. We are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We just want to support them,” she explained.
Grateful for the recognition, Jonathan said the award honors the collective effort behind her work in women’s health and empowerment.
Through her organizations at the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative she has supported youth training and facilitated overseas medical care for children.
Accolade Dynamics CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, said the ceremony was a tribute to African leaders advancing mentorship, leadership, and community growth.
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