Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has emphatically ruled out any return to Aso Rock Villa, pledging instead to throw her full weight behind First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former First Lady made the declaration on Saturday night in Abuja after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.
Speaking with her trademark candour, Jonathan reinforced her commitment to the principle of rotational leadership, describing the “turn-by-turn” model as essential to Nigeria’s unity and democratic development.
“I’m not going back to the Villa,” Jonathan said. “If you call me, I will not go. Let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her like she ‘wahala’d’ me when I was there,” she added humorously, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
In a heartfelt acknowledgement, Dame Patience paid glowing tribute to the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
She also expressed unwavering support for the current administration and its leadership, emphasizing the need for collective loyalty to the presidency regardless of political differences.
“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,” she said.
Speaking on her long-standing relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Patience Jonathan recalled that their bond predates their time in Aso Rock and goes back to their days as wives of state governors.
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“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady. No. We worked together when I was a deputy governor’s wife and a governor’s wife. Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend,” Jonathan stated.
She reaffirmed her belief in the fairness of power rotation and reiterated that her decision not to seek political office was driven by principle and peace of mind.
“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,” she said.
On women’s participation in politics, Dame Jonathan lamented the continuous rejection of gender equality legislation by the National Assembly, urging male lawmakers to view women as allies, not rivals.
“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 appealed.
In accepting her award, Dame Jonathan described it as a collective recognition of the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of women across Nigeria and beyond.
“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 said.