Patience Jonathan Rules Out Return to Aso Rock, Declares Support for Remi Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Election

Abuja, Nigeria – Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has firmly ruled out any ambition to return to Aso Rock, instead pledging her unwavering support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at an award ceremony in Abuja on Saturday, where she was honoured with the Women Icon Leader of the Year award by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan openly expressed her loyalty to the current administration and praised the First Family, including Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, for championing women’s empowerment.

“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 said in a bold statement of political solidarity.

Emphasising her long-standing relationship with Remi Tinubu, Jonathan recalled their shared journey from the days of serving as deputy governors’ wives to becoming First Ladies. She highlighted the support she and her husband received from the Tinubus during their 2011 presidential campaign as a key reason behind her current endorsement.

“All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow,” she added, addressing Tinubu’s daughter and women leaders.

Jonathan also used the occasion to affirm her support for the 35% affirmative action for women in leadership, lamenting the National Assembly’s continued rejection of gender equality legislation. She called on lawmakers to treat women as partners in nation-building, not as threats.

She dedicated her award to Nigerian women striving to improve health and economic conditions and credited her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative, with empowering women, youth, and supporting life-saving healthcare access.

“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” Jonathan said humorously, adding that her current stress-free lifestyle away from the presidency has helped her maintain a youthful appearance.

Her endorsement is seen as a significant boost to the First Lady’s influence and the broader support base of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as political alignments begin to shape ahead of the 2027 elections.