Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, said her husband was not interested in the 2027 presidential race.
Mrs Jonathan stated this at the weekend in Abuja during the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited.
She explained that the former resident would not contest against President Bola Tinubu because he (Tinubu) and his wife, Oluremi supported Jonathan in 2011.
At the event which was attended by the president’s daughter, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Mrs Jonathan said he and her husband would rather support Tinubu’s re-election in the spirit of “turn-by-turn” and “one good turn deserves another.”
The former president’s wife who received ‘The Women Icon Leader of the Year Award’ said rotational presidency is essential for national unity and urged those clamouring for the return of the presidency to their region in 2027 “to step back—so that the country can move forward.”
“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.
“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. I am outspoken—if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die with it.
“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 added.
Furthermore, she said she had had a longstanding relationship with Tinubu’s wife from the time her husband (Jonathan) was the deputy governor of Bayelsa State before becoming the governor of the state.
“I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.
“We are groups. We worked when I was a deputy governor’s wife. We worked when I was a governor’s wife. I know her. I talked with Oluremi. 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.
“Because, you see, this is turn by turn. Today is my turn—I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn—then we go. And when we go, will we still meet. Where will we meet? I don’t know.
“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,” she added.
Mrs Jonathan also said she has had peace of mind since she left Aso Rock Villa.
“I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.
“I say it every day. Don’t you like how young I look? People say, “Mama, you are young, you are young!” 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! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now she won’t be young,” she said.
On the 35 per cent affirmative action for women, Mrs Jonathan said she supported it while promising to mobilise women for the passage of the 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. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them,” she declared.
Jonathan dedicated her award to the broader community of women working to improve health and economic outcomes across Nigeria.
She credited the impact of her non-governmental organisations, the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative, for empowering women and youth through skills training and for helping children access life-saving medical treatment abroad.
In her remarks, the managing director and chief executive officer of Accolade Dynamics, Ms Dofan Chizaram Tor, said the event was meant to honour both men and women who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, and community development.
“Women are the backbone of the country. We honour those men and women who have uplifted society through coaching, skills, and confidence building.
“Build your inner beauty. Work on your intelligence. Read books. You can be brains and beauty. Just keep pushing forward. Nothing is impossible,” she stated.