Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has firmly ruled out any possibility of her husband, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, contesting the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award organized by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja, Mrs. Jonathan pledged her family’s support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, citing a long-standing political relationship and the principle of political fairness.
According to Mrs. Jonathan, Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, supported her husband during his 2011 presidential campaign, and it was now their “turn” to lead. She emphasized the need to respect political succession, stating, “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 expressed warm camaraderie with the First Lady, revealing their longstanding relationship dating back to their time as wives of deputy governors and governors. Mrs. Jonathan reiterated her loyalty to Remi Tinubu, vowing to campaign alongside her and not return to Aso Rock.
Amid growing calls from groups like the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation urging Goodluck Jonathan to run again in 2027, Patience Jonathan dismissed any such intentions. “I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” she stated humorously, attributing her youthful appearance to the peace of mind that comes with staying away from politics.
The former First Lady also used the platform to advocate for 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, calling on the National Assembly to reconsider its repeated rejection of gender equality bills. “We are not trying to take power from them—we are trying to support them,” she said.
She received the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award in recognition of her efforts in promoting women’s health and economic empowerment through her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative.
The event was attended by notable figures including Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Tinubu, and celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to leadership and community development in Nigeria and Africa.