Amid growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 presidential election, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, has firmly dismissed the possibility of a return to Aso Rock.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night while receiving the 2025 Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited, the former First Lady pledged her full support for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who is believed to be preparing to support her husband’s re-election bid.
Mrs. Jonathan threw her weight behind the principle of rotational presidency, describing it as essential to preserving Nigeria’s unity.
“This is turn by turn,” she said. “Today is my turn, I will go. Tomorrow, it will be another person’s turn. 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. I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I will not go.”
She also praised Oluremi Tinubu for her longstanding support, recalling how their friendship dates back to the days when her husband served as Vice President.
“For me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not,” she said.
Patience Jonathan attributed her youthful look to the peace of staying away from political pressures. “Don’t you like how young I look? It is because I have rest of mind,” she quipped.
She dedicated the award to collective efforts toward promoting women’s health and economic empowerment. Additionally, she expressed her unwavering support for the 35% affirmative action for women in governance and criticised the National Assembly for repeatedly rejecting gender equality bills
