May 11, (THEWILL) – Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared her support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and pledged to join First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the campaign trail ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mrs Jonathan made the pledge on Tuesday while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award presented by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja.
In her remarks, the former First Lady praised the First Family, particularly the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for supporting the principle of rotational leadership, which she said promotes unity and fairness in the country.
“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last—the daughter of our wonderful President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women. Carry them along; they are with you. We will follow. No shaking. Direct us, and we will follow,” she said.
Mrs Jonathan emphasized her belief in one presidency at a time, adding, “I am outspoken. If I don’t like something, I say it. But when 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.”
She revealed that her relationship with Remi Tinubu dates back to their days as wives of state governors and recalled the support the Tinubus gave her and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the 2011 presidential campaign.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady. We’ve worked together for years, even when I was deputy governor’s wife and governor’s wife. I know her well. During our first presidential election, Remi and her husband supported us,” she said.
Mrs Jonathan added that she would not return to Aso Rock even if invited, choosing instead to back her friend.
“I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go. Let my friend be there. I want to ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there,” she joked.
Reflecting on women’s representation in politics, she lamented the dominance of men in elective positions despite executive support for 35% affirmative action during previous administrations.
“During Obasanjo’s time, the executive approved 35 percent. My husband upheld it. But in elective positions, men shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not competing—we are supporting,” she said.
Receiving her award, Mrs Jonathan said the honour was a collective recognition of her efforts and those of many others committed to advancing women’s health and economic empowerment.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. I accept it not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the efforts of countless women and men working for women’s well-being in Nigeria and beyond,” she said.
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