Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, has firmly dismissed speculation of a 2027 presidential comeback for her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan. Instead, she pledged unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking in Abuja over the weekend after receiving the 2025 Women Icon Leader of the Year Award from Accolades Dynamics Limited, Mrs Jonathan declared it was time to “step back” and allow others to lead, citing her longstanding relationship with the Tinubu family and their support during her husband’s presidency.
“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 in a pointed message to those advocating for Jonathan’s return to Aso Rock.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. Directly addressing her, Mrs Jonathan stated, “All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow because there is only one President at a time. We don’t have two Presidents.”
Although Goodluck Jonathan has not officially declared any political ambition ahead of 2027, groups like the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and some northern elites have called on him to contest, portraying him as a unifying figure. A similar wave of speculation surrounded him before the 2023 election, when supporters purchased a ₦100 million APC nomination form on his behalf.
Nonetheless, Patience Jonathan made it clear that neither she nor her husband intends to return to the presidential villa.
“I stand by my friend (Tinubu’s wife). 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. If you call me, I will not go,” she stated emphatically.
Reflecting on her personal relationship with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Patience recalled shared moments from their days as wives of deputy governors and governors, through to their political journey at the federal level.
“I didn’t just know her because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together… Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us. So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.”
Humorously, the former First Lady also remarked on how much younger she feels outside government. “Don’t you like how young I look? It is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there,” she quipped.
Turning to issues affecting women, Mrs Jonathan reaffirmed her support for the 35% affirmative action in governance and expressed disappointment at the rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.
“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it and the executive approved 35 per cent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out,” she lamented.
On her award, Mrs Jonathan said it symbolised collective effort, not personal glory.
“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.”