Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared her full support for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock.
Speaking at an award event in Abuja, Dame Jonathan emphasized her commitment to the principle of rotational leadership and national unity. “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.
She also praised President Bola Tinubu’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for championing women’s causes and reiterated her loyalty to the current administration. “No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow,” she stated.
Highlighting a longstanding relationship with Senator Tinubu that dates back to their time before Aso Rock, the former First Lady recalled how the Tinubus supported her and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the 2011 elections.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group,” Jonathan said. “Even when my husband was the Vice President, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election.”
She affirmed her decision to remain outside the political contest in 2027, saying: “I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go. I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her.”
Dame Patience Jonathan’s endorsement is seen as a significant show of bipartisan support for the First Lady and the Tinubu administration.
