In a candid revelation at the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award ceremony in Abuja, Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, dismissed speculations about her husband contesting against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Instead, she pledged her family’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing longstanding political alliances and a belief in “turn-by-turn” leadership.
A Legacy of Political Loyalty
Patience Jonathan emphasized the Tinubu family’s support during her husband’s 2011 presidential campaign. Addressing Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the President’s daughter, she stated:
“We will follow [Tinubu]. Direct us, and we will follow because there is only one President at a time… 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.”
Her remarks come amid renewed calls for Goodluck Jonathan’s return to politics, with groups like the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation urging him to run in 2027. However, Patience firmly rejected such appeals, declaring:
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.”
Friendship Over Power: The Tinubu-Jonathan Connection
Patience highlighted her decades-long relationship with First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, recalling their collaboration during her tenure as a governor’s wife and later as First Lady. She credited the Tinubus for standing by the Jonathan family during their 2011 election bid, vowing loyalty in return.
“I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend… Let my friend [Oluremi] be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there!” she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Advocating for Women’s Representation
Beyond politics, Patience used the platform to champion gender equality, criticizing the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of bills promoting women’s inclusion. She urged lawmakers to uphold the 35% affirmative action for women in governance:
“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.”
Her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programs and healthcare support.
A Night Celebrating Leadership
Organized by Accolade Dynamics Limited, the event honored leaders driving community development across Africa. CEO Dofan Chizaram described it as a tribute to “legends who uplift women and society,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing living icons.
Why This Matters:
Patience Jonathan’s statements clarify lingering questions about her husband’s political ambitions while underscoring the influence of alliances in Nigeria’s power dynamics. Her advocacy for women’s rights also highlights ongoing struggles for gender parity in governance.
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