“I’m not coming back to Aso Rock”—Patience Jonathan stuns nation, backs Remi Tinubu for 2027

DDM News

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has ruled out any return to Nigeria’s seat of power, Aso Rock.

She made this declaration in Abuja during an award ceremony in her honour as Women Icon Leader of the Year, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Jonathan pledged her full support for the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She described Remi Tinubu as a longtime friend and praised the concept of rotational leadership as crucial to stability.

“Leadership is turn-by-turn,” she said, highlighting that one must vacate the seat for others when their time has passed.

According to her, leaving power brought peace of mind, which she claimed is responsible for her youthful appearance today.

With humour, she said it was her turn to “wahala” Remi Tinubu, just as Tinubu did to her.

“Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there,” she joked.

Despite the playful tone, Jonathan shifted to serious issues concerning gender representation in Nigerian governance.

She expressed frustration over the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills aimed at supporting women in politics.

Jonathan firmly supported the 35 percent affirmative action policy designed to increase women’s participation in national leadership.

“Women are not rivals,” she said. “They are mothers, sisters, partners, key contributors to our national development journey.”

She reminisced about progress under former President Obasanjo and the continuation under her husband, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The former First Lady urged lawmakers to view women as assets, not threats, in the political space.

She accepted her award humbly, calling it a collective recognition of work done to empower Nigerian women and youth.

Jonathan spotlighted her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative.

She said they have trained thousands in vocational skills and assisted sick children in accessing medical treatment abroad.

The event organizer, Accolade Dynamics CEO Ms. Dofan Chizaram, praised Jonathan’s legacy of service beyond political office.

She said the award recognized leaders whose impact shapes communities long after leaving formal positions of authority.

Dame Jonathan’s support for Remi Tinubu has stirred public interest as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Her statement marks a clear stance, and a surprising one, coming from a former occupant of Nigeria’s highest political home.

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