Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has made it clear she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock, affirming instead that she will lend her full support to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Known for her forthright views, Dame Jonathan voiced strong support for Nigeria’s power rotation system, emphasizing the importance of the “turn-by-turn” approach to sustaining national cohesion.
She made these remarks while recognizing Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Nigeria’s Iyaloja-General, during the presentation of the Women Icon Leader of the Year award by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night.
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She said, “I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.
“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.
“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.”
Dame Jonathan also reflected on her longstanding relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which she said began long before either of them entered the presidential villa.
Recalling their political journey, she noted that both Senator Tinubu and her husband, President Bola Tinubu, supported her and former President Goodluck Jonathan during their 2011 presidential campaign.
She reiterated her stance that her time in Aso Rock is behind her and pledged to back Remi Tinubu and her spouse in their current leadership roles.
She said, “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.
“We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. 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.
“Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know.“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.
“I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, “Mama, you are young, you are young!” it is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—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.”
She also lent her voice to the push for increased female participation in governance, lamenting the National Assembly’s repeated refusal to pass 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.”
The former First Lady described the award as an acknowledgment of a shared mission to improve women’s welfare, especially in health and economic empowerment.
She said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. 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 highlighted the achievements of her two major NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have empowered thousands of women and youth through vocational training and supported children needing critical surgeries abroad.
At the event, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, described the ceremony as a celebration of impactful leaders across Africa who have contributed significantly to societal progress through leadership and community service.
“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.
