NIGERIA: I Won’t Return To Villa, I Just Want To Tease Remi Tinubu – Patience Jonathan

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nigerian Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, says she has no plans to return to Aso Rock, not even if invited.

Instead, she has pledged to join forces with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at an award event in Abuja on Saturday night, Jonathan made it clear she is done with power and will support her friend’s moment in the spotlight.

“I’m not going back to the villa. Even if you call me, I won’t go. Let my friend enjoy it. Let me also wahala her the way she wahala me when I was there,” she said.

Jonathan’s comments came after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.

Known for her fiery candour, she praised the Tinubu family, especially the president’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for standing with women.

She also affirmed her support for Nigeria’s rotational leadership tradition, describing it as the only fair path to unity.

She said, “There’s only one president at a time. It’s turned by turn. When it’s your turn, we’ll support you. When it’s not, step back.”

She revealed her relationship with Remi Tinubu dates back to when both served as wives of state governors.

She recalled that the Tinubus supported her and her husband during the 2011 election, and now she is returning the favour.

“I can’t abandon my friend. Whether you like it or not, I stand by her. I told her I would campaign with her,” she said.

Jonathan also took a swipe at the repeated failure of the National Assembly to pass gender equality bills.

She backed the 35 per cent affirmative action for women and urged lawmakers to stop sidelining women during elections.

“We are not trying to take power from men. We are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We only want to support them,” she said.

She dedicated her award to the many women working to improve lives through healthcare and economic empowerment.

Her NGOs, the Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, have empowered thousands, she said, and supported children with critical health needs.

Accolade Dynamics CEO, Ms. Dofan Chizaram praised her legacy and described the night as one for celebrating those making a real difference in Nigeria and across Africa.