In a bold and heartfelt declaration, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has made it clear that she has no intention of returning to the corridors of power at Aso Rock Villa. Instead, she has pledged her unwavering support to the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the nation sets its sights on the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at an awards gala hosted by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja, where she was honored with the "Women Icon Leader of the Year" award, Dame Jonathan delivered an impassioned speech that emphasized unity, loyalty, and the importance of rotational leadership in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
In her characteristic no-nonsense style, she addressed the audience and specially acknowledged the President’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo—popularly known as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria—for her dedication to women’s causes.
“I was supposed to call her first,” Dame Jonathan said, “but I saved her for last—the daughter of our wonderful President, the one and only we believe in, President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women. These are your women. Carry them along—they are with you.”
With powerful words that reflected both political maturity and personal conviction, she added, “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.”
True to her reputation for speaking candidly, Dame Jonathan emphasized the value of supporting the leadership of the day. “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 the country can move forward.”
Her remarks underscored a strong endorsement of the zoning principle—a political arrangement that ensures balanced power rotation among Nigeria’s diverse regions and ethnic groups. For Dame Jonathan, this “turn-by-turn” approach is not just about politics—it’s about preserving national cohesion and fairness.
She also took a moment to reflect on her longstanding relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu, noting that their bond predates their roles as First Ladies. “I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We’ve worked together for years. From the days I was a deputy governor’s wife to when I became a governor’s wife, we were part of the same groups. We stood by one another.”
Dame Jonathan further revealed that the Tinubus had once backed her and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, during their political journey. “Even when my husband was 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.”
Her statement resonates as a powerful gesture of solidarity and a message to political players across the spectrum: loyalty, respect for democratic norms, and national interest must rise above partisan divides.
As Nigeria approaches a critical electoral season, Dame Patience Jonathan’s voice remains a significant one—championing unity among women, advocating for political balance, and endorsing continuity over personal ambition.
