Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has ruled out any return to Nigeria’s presidential seat of power, Aso Rock, reaffirming her support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Saturday evening in Abuja while receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, Jonathan endorsed the concept of rotational leadership, describing it as essential to preserving national unity.
“I believe in one president and 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.
The former First Lady made her remarks while acknowledging the presence of Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.
“I deliberately saved her for last the daughter of our wonderful President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing by Nigerian women. They are your people; carry them along. We are with you all the way no shaking. Just direct us, and we will follow.”
Dame Jonathan stressed that her allegiance lies firmly with the current administration and rejected speculation about any political comeback.
“I speak my mind when I don’t like something, I say it. But when I support something, I give it my all. I’m not going back to the villa. I’m not running. If you call me, I will not go.”
She reflected on her longstanding relationship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, recalling their collaboration during their time as wives of governors and deputy governors.
“I didn’t meet Oluremi Tinubu because she became First Lady. We’ve worked together long before then when I was a deputy governor’s wife and later a governor’s wife. Even during my husband’s tenure as Vice President, she and her husband supported us. I have a conscience, and I cannot abandon my friend like it or not.”
Jonathan pledged to support Senator Tinubu's political endeavors and added with humor, “People say I look young it’s because I have peace of mind. I don’t want to return [to Aso Rock]. Let my friend be there, and let me tease her the way she teased me when I was there. Until she comes out, she won’t be young!”
In her remarks, she also advocated for the implementation of 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance. She lamented the consistent failure of gender equality bills in the National Assembly.
“During President Obasanjo’s administration, we secured 35 percent executive approval. My husband continued it. But when it comes to elective offices, men dominate and exclude us. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and partners not competitors.”
Receiving her award, Dame Jonathan dedicated the recognition to the collective efforts of all who champion women’s welfare.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award. This is not just a personal accolade, but a tribute to the many women and men who have worked tirelessly with me to promote women's health and economic empowerment in Nigeria and beyond.”
Maltepe su kaçak tespiti Banyo duvarındaki nem için çağırdık. Termal kamerayla gizli su kaçağını tespit edip, minimal hasarla tamir ettiler. İbrahim T. https://ideasofdecoration.com/index.php/author/kacak/