Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has made it clear that she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock Villa. Instead, she has pledged to actively campaign alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan, known for her straightforward views, emphasized her support for the principle of rotational leadership, describing the “turn-by-turn” system as crucial for promoting national unity. She shared these remarks while expressing gratitude to Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja.
In her speech, she praised the President’s daughter for supporting women and emphasized her commitment to following the leadership of Senator Tinubu. Jonathan reiterated her belief in having one president at a time and her readiness to stand by the current leadership, stressing that she would not return to Aso Rock but would fully support the First Lady.
Reflecting on her relationship with Remi Tinubu, Jonathan noted that their connection began long before their time at Aso Rock. She recalled how both Remi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu supported her and her husband during their 2011 presidential campaign. She emphasized that her decision to stand by Remi Tinubu is a matter of personal integrity and loyalty.
Jonathan also voiced her support for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, expressing concern over the repeated rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly. She called on male politicians to recognize the importance of women’s contributions in leadership.
The former First Lady received the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, which she viewed as recognition of the collective efforts to advance women’s health and economic empowerment. She highlighted the work of her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—which have provided skills training to women and youth and assisted children with critical health conditions.
Accolade Dynamics Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, described the event as a celebration of individuals who have significantly impacted Nigeria and Africa through leadership and community development.
Sonia Orjiako