By Suleiman ibrahim
Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has firmly stated that she will not be returning to the Aso Rock Villa, opting instead to campaign alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Known for her forthright opinions, Jonathan expressed her support for the principle of rotational leadership, emphasizing the importance of the “turn-by-turn” approach for fostering national unity.
This declaration was made during an event in Abuja on Saturday night, where she acknowledged the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.
“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,” Jonathan said.
“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,” she added.
Jonathan further highlighted her long-standing relationship with Remi Tinubu, which predates their time in Aso Rock. She reminisced about how the Tinubu family supported her and her husband during their presidential campaign in 2011.
Rather than seek a return to Aso Rock, she pledged her support for the First Lady and her husband, stating, “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.”
She emphasized the importance of loyalty, saying, “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.”
Jonathan humorously noted, “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.”
Additionally, she voiced her support for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the continual rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 percent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out,” she said, urging men to recognize women as their mothers, sisters, and friends.
Jonathan described receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award as a recognition of collective efforts to advance women’s health and economic well-being. She expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “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.”
Her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programs and provided support for children with critical health conditions requiring surgeries abroad.
At the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, remarked that the evening was dedicated to honoring individuals who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, and community development.
“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,” Chizaram stated.
