Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan has called for total support for President Bola Tinubu telling other prospective contestants that it’s not their turn to be president.
She said the presidency is “turn by turn” and at the moment, it’s Tinubu’s turn, promising to support anyone when it’s their turn.
She officially ruled out any prospect of returning to Aso Rock, declaring her intention to fully support the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in order to reelect President Tinubu in 2027.
The former First Lady’s declaration comes amid moves for political alignment involving former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, his former running mate and governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi and others in order to unseat Tinubu.
Although both former PDP top shots have not officially declared their intentions to vie for the exalted position in the country, they have also not ruled out contesting.
However, speaking at an award ceremony in Abuja on Saturday night, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan pledged to stand with the current administration and promote continuity in leadership based on the principle of political rotation.
Dame Jonathan was honoured with the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 Award by Accolade Dynamics Limited, in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and national development.
In a spirited speech, she emphasized her belief in “turn-by-turn” leadership as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s unity and political stability.
“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,” she said.
While acknowledging Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of the President and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Dame Jonathan praised her efforts in supporting Nigerian women and urged her to remain committed to inclusive leadership.
“Iyaloja, thank you for standing with 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,” she declared to a round of applause.
The former First Lady used the occasion to reaffirm her long standing relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noting that their bond predates their time in Aso Rock.
She recalled working closely with the First Lady during their respective tenures as spouses of high-ranking state officials, and commended the Tinubus for supporting her family during the 2011 presidential elections.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together when I was a deputy governor’s wife, and also when I was a governor’s wife.
“Even when my husband was vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election,” she said.
Rejecting any future political ambition of returning to the seat of power, Dame Jonathan said she had found peace in retirement and preferred to support her peers rather than seek a return to high office.
“I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go. People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ Yes, it is because I have a rest of mind. Let my friend be there. Let me also tease her the way she used to tease me when I was there!”
Dame Jonathan also used the platform to advocate for gender equality in Nigerian politics. She called on lawmakers to revisit and pass the gender equality bills that have repeatedly failed in the National Assembly, lamenting the underrepresentation of women in elective offices.
“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.”
The former First Lady dedicated her award to the collective efforts of those working to uplift women and vulnerable groups in Nigeria. Through her two NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—she has empowered thousands of women and youth through vocational training and supported critical surgeries for children suffering from life-threatening conditions.
“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.
Presenting the award, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics Limited, described the evening as a celebration of distinguished Nigerians who have made impactful contributions to society.
“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 said.
The event drew prominent figures from across political, business, and civil society circles, all gathered to honour the former First Lady’s enduring legacy in the spheres of leadership, advocacy, and humanitarian service.
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