Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has dismissed the possibility of her husband, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, contesting the 2027 presidential election. Instead, she pledged her family’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing past loyalty and the spirit of political fairness.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday during the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award event organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Mrs Jonathan emphasized that “there is only one President at a time,” and it is Tinubu’s turn to lead.
Her remarks come amid renewed calls for her husband’s return to politics, including a recent appeal from the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation urging Jonathan to run again in 2027.
Rejecting these calls, Patience Jonathan said her decision to support Tinubu was based on gratitude and longstanding personal ties with both the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who supported her family’s 2011 campaign.
“I believe in turn by turn. When it’s your turn, I’ll support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so the country can move forward,” she said, adding humorously that she now enjoys her peace and youthfulness away from the stress of Aso Rock.
Mrs Jonathan also expressed her commitment to campaigning with Remi Tinubu for the 2027 election and highlighted the importance of solidarity among women leaders. Recounting her history with the First Lady, she said their friendship dates back to their days as wives of state governors.
While addressing the crowd, she also called for greater inclusion of women in governance, urging the National Assembly to support gender equality and affirm the 35 percent affirmative action quota.
In receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, Patience Jonathan acknowledged the efforts of many who have supported women’s health and economic empowerment, citing her foundations—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—as key drivers of change.
Event organizer, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, described the evening as a celebration of impactful leadership across Africa, honouring both men and women who have advanced community development and mentorship.
