Patience Jonathan Pledges Support For Tinubu In 2027, Shuts Door On Goodluck Jonathan’s Return To Aso Rock

Abuja, Nigeria- Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has officially dismissed the possibility of her husband, Goodluck Jonathan, making a return to Aso Rock in 2027, instead vowing to campaign for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

She made the declaration during a ceremony in Abuja on Saturday night, where she was honored with the Women Icon Leader of the Year award by Accolade Dynamics Limited.

In her speech, Patience Jonathan expressed her strong support for President Tinubu, affirming her commitment to campaigning for his second term.

“There is only one president at a time. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you,” she said, referring to her steadfast backing for Tinubu’s leadership.

She also shared her deep-rooted friendship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as a longstanding relationship that began well before their respective roles as First Ladies.

Patience recalled their collaborative efforts when she served as the deputy governor’s wife and during her time as the governor’s wife, highlighting their mutual support throughout their political careers.

“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,” she declared, reinforcing her dedication to supporting Oluremi Tinubu.

Patience Jonathan also advocated for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the recurring rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.

She called on lawmakers to recognize the importance of empowering women in politics, emphasizing that women were not seeking to take power from men but rather to support them.

Patience Jonathan expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the collective efforts of women and men who have worked alongside her to advance women’s health and economic well-being.