ABUJA, Nigeria — Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that her husband will not seek the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. This declaration was made during the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award event in Abuja on Saturday.
Mrs. Jonathan emphasized that her family’s focus will instead be on campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. She stated, “We will follow Tinubu all the way. No shaking. Direct us, and we will follow because there is only one President at a time.”
Despite continuous calls for her husband to return to politics, including a recent plea from Dr. Jibril Mustapha of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation, Mrs. Jonathan insisted on supporting Tinubu, who previously backed her husband’s presidential bid in 2011. “I believe in turn by turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back,” she remarked.
At the awards event, which also featured Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Tinubu, Mrs. Patience highlighted her long-standing friendship with Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She explained how Oluremi and her husband had provided support during her husband’s 2011 campaign.
“I know her. I talked with Oluremi. Even when my husband was Vice President, Oluremi stood by her husband and supported us during our first election. I cannot abandon my friend,” she continued.
On the topic of women’s representation in politics, Mrs. Jonathan spoke passionately about the need for greater inclusion and was vocal about the continuous rejection of gender equality bills in the National Assembly. She stressed the importance of the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, stating, “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.”
Reflecting on her award acceptance, Mrs. Jonathan emphasized that the recognition was a testament to the collective efforts of those advocating for women’s health and economic progress. “I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me,” she expressed.
Ms. Dofan Chizaram, Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, praised the event as a tribute to those who have made significant contributions to Nigeria and Africa through leadership and community development. “This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community,” she stated.
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