Monday May 12, 2025 |
Controversial former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has burst the bubble of those speculating that her spouse, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, would throw his hat into the ring and give incumbent president, Bola Tinubu, a fight for control of federal political power in 2027.
Speaking after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award presented by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja on Saturday night, she unequivocally endorsed President Tinubu’s re-election and pledged to team up with Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the campaign trail.
She expressed firm support for rotational presidency, emphasising that the turn-by-turn approach is crucial for maintaining national cohesion.
She equally 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.
She stressed that instead of seeking a return to Aso Rock, she would stand firmly behind the First Lady and her husband.
“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.
“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 said 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.”
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.
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.
She attributed her youthful appearance to the peace of staying away from Aso Rock, saying: “ Don’t you like how young I look? It is because I have the rest of mind.”
She described the award as a recognition of the collective efforts made toward promoting women’s health and economic empowerment.
She also expressed strong support for the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance, while lamenting the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills.
