ABUJA, Nigeria — Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan don make am clear say she no go return to Aso Rock, instead, she go dey campaign with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as 2027 general election dey near. Jonathan reveal this on Saturday night after her receive the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.
During her speech, Jonathan emphasize say the principle of rotational leadership dey very important for national unity, calling the system ‘turn-by-turn.’ She talk say, “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.”
Jonathan also express deep respect for Remi Tinubu, explain say their friendship don dey since their days as wives of governors. She reminisce on how both Tinubus support her and her husband when dem dey contest for presidency in 2011. “I didn’t just know her (Remi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together,” Jonathan state, highlighting their collaboration over the years.
As Jonathan dey confirm her commitment to support her friend, she also declare say no chance to return to Aso Rock dey for 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 assert. Jonathan joke say her friends dey always tell her how young she look, saying, “It is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there.”
On top gender equality, Jonathan emphasize the need for more women to get opportunities for governance, especially as she dey support the 35 percent affirmative action for women in political positions. She lamented say repeated rejection of gender equality bills by National Assembly don hold women back from getting positions dem suppose to take. “We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them,” she stated.
While collecting her award, Jonathan humble herself say the recognition no be just for her, but for all the men and women wey don join hands with her to promote women’s health and economic development. She talk about the work of her NGOs, Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, wey don empower many women and youths through skill acquisition programs and help children wey need medical care abroad.
Event organizers, Accolade Dynamics Limited, praise everyone wey don contribute to community development, noting say this night na tribute to those wey don uplift women and the society at large. Managing Director, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, talk say, “This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community.”
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