Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has made it clear she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock, instead expressing her backing for President Bola Tinubu’s government.
She delivered this message on May 10, 2025, while accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited at an event in Abuja. During her remarks, she spoke warmly about her long-standing relationship with First Lady Remi Tinubu.
“I’m standing with my friend. She’s a wonderful person. I assured her of my support during the campaign, and I stand by that. I’m not seeking office again,” she said.
Jonathan recalled the support she and her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, received from the Tinubu family during the 2011 election, noting that her loyalty stems from that bond.
Touching on political representation, she voiced concern over the imbalance in gender participation and encouraged adherence to the 35 percent affirmative action for women. She insisted that women should complement—not replace—men in leadership.
She also hinted that the Jonathan family was unlikely to pursue a return to presidential politics, distancing herself and her husband from speculations about the 2027 elections.
