Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has announced she will not be returning to Aso Rock Villa. Instead, she will actively participate in the upcoming 2027 general elections, campaigning alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Known for her outspoken nature, Jonathan voiced her strong support for rotational leadership, emphasizing its importance for national unity. She described the system as a “turn-by-turn” model, vital for the country’s progress. She made this declaration while accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
“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,” Jonathan stated. Addressing Tinubu-Ojo, she continued, “Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you. 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.”
Jonathan highlighted her enduring friendship with Remi Tinubu, a bond extending beyond their time at Aso Rock. She recalled the support she and her husband received from the Tinubus during their 2011 presidential bid. Rather than seeking a return to presidential office, Jonathan affirmed her commitment to supporting the First Lady and her husband.
“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. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was the 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. Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet? Where will we meet? I don’t know. 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. I say it every day. 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. Let me also “wahala” her the way she used to “wahala” me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young,” she explained.
Jonathan also advocated for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, expressing concern over the repeated 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. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them,” she emphasized.
She viewed the award as a collective achievement, recognizing the combined efforts in improving women’s health and economic standing. “I am deeply humbled to receive this prestigious Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. 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 to promote good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond,” she said. She highlighted the impact of her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, which have empowered numerous women and youth.
Accolade Dynamics’ Managing Director and CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, described the event as a celebration of influential individuals who have significantly contributed to Nigeria and Africa’s progress. “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,” she stated.
