Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has said she has no plans to return to Aso Rock, instead pledging her support for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 elections.
She emphasized her belief in rotational leadership, describing the principle of “turn-by-turn” as vital for national unity.
Jonathan made the remarks in Abuja on Saturday night while accepting the 2025 Women Icon Leader of the Year award presented by Accolade Dynamics Limited.
During her speech, she praised the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for her dedication to women’s empowerment.
The former First Lady assured her loyalty to Senator Tinubu, noting that she would stand by her and actively campaign with her in the next election cycle.
“We’re behind you. Just show us the way,” she said, adding that Nigeria can only have one president at a time and leadership should be respected and supported when it is someone’s turn.
She also spoke about her longstanding friendship with Oluremi Tinubu, which she said began long before either of them entered the Villa.
Jonathan recalled their collaboration during her years as deputy governor’s wife and later as the wife of the Vice President, stating that the Tinubus had supported her and her husband during the 2011 elections.
“For me, friendship is about loyalty,” she said. “I cannot turn my back on a friend who stood by me. I’ll stand by her, campaign with her, and support her all the way.”
Humorously, Jonathan mentioned that she is enjoying life outside of public office and has no desire to return.
“People say I look younger now—it’s because I have peace of mind. I don’t want to go back to that stress. Let my friend handle it now, and let me tease her the way she teased me back then,” she added.
She also reiterated her support for 35 percent inclusion of women in governance, lamenting how proposed gender equality bills have been repeatedly rejected.
She appealed to lawmakers to recognize the value women bring to leadership and governance, emphasizing that they are partners, not rivals.
Accepting her award, Jonathan expressed gratitude and said it was a recognition of collective work in promoting women’s health and empowerment.
She also highlighted the impact of her foundations—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have trained thousands of women and young people in skills acquisition and provided critical medical support to children with life-threatening conditions.
She concluded by calling for more support for women’s inclusion, stating, “We are your mothers, your sisters, and your partners. We only want to help build a better country.”