Former First Lady Patience Jonathan has declared she has no plans to return to Aso Rock in 2027.
She has also openly thrown her support behind the current First Lady, Remi Tinubu, which shows that she is backing President Bola Tinubu for another term.
She spoke on Saturday night in Abuja during the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award ceremony by Accolade Dynamics Limited.
While accepting the award, Jonathan said she believes in leadership rotation and supports whoever is in office during their rightful time.
She stressed that only one person can lead at a time and that others should step aside when it’s not their turn so the country can progress.
“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 said.
During the event, she also acknowledged the presence of President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, and praised her for supporting women.
Jonathan encouraged her to continue working closely with women, assuring her of full support.
“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you.
“All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.”
She talked about her relationship with Senator Remi Tinubu, which she said started before they became First Ladies.
According to Jonathan, they had worked together while their husbands served as governor and deputy governor.
She described Remi Tinubu as a long-time friend who stood by her and her husband during their time in office.
Jonathan added that she would not turn her back on someone who had always supported her.
Jonathan made it clear that she has no interest in returning to the presidency and is enjoying a peaceful life away from politics.
“I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go”, she said.
She said this peace of mind has kept her looking younger and happier.
She joked that she now has the chance to playfully disturb her friend Remi Tinubu, just as Remi once teased her while she was in office.