Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has unequivocally ruled out any return to Nigeria’s political frontline, stating that she has no intention of contesting for office or re-entering Aso Rock in any official capacity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Her comments came amidst growing speculation over a potential political comeback by her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is reportedly being courted by influential northern political interests.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night during an awards ceremony organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited, where she received the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, Dame Jonathan expressed her unwavering support for First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and promised to actively campaign alongside her in the next election season.
“I’m not running. I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she declared to an amused audience, drawing laughter with her candidness.
“Let my friend be there. Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there!”
Her remarks seemed to signal a deliberate separation of her family from any ongoing political manoeuvres aimed at reviving her husband’s political trajectory.
Jonathan restated her commitment to Nigeria’s power rotation arrangement, stressing the significance of the “turn-by-turn” principle as essential for sustaining national cohesion.
“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.
She went on to commend Iyaloja-General Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, and spoke warmly of her longstanding friendship with First Lady Remi Tinubu. She recalled that their bond dates back to the days when both women were married to deputy governors, and later, state governors.
“I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not,” she stated.
During her address, the former First Lady also pushed for stronger female representation in governance. She urged lawmakers to back the 35 percent affirmative action policy for women and took aim at the National Assembly for repeatedly rejecting gender equality bills.
Mrs Jonathan remains actively involved in humanitarian work, championing women and youth empowerment through her non-governmental organisations—the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative. These NGOs continue to offer skills training and provide healthcare assistance to vulnerable populations.
Ms Dofan Chizaram, Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Dynamics, described the award as a tribute to Dame Jonathan’s lasting influence on the lives of women and communities across Nigeria and the African continent.
