Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has sparked controversy after announcing her decision to campaign alongside the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the 2027 general elections, while firmly ruling out any return to Aso Rock Villa.
Speaking at an event in Abuja where she received the Women Icon Leader of the Year award, Jonathan endorsed the principle of rotational leadership, emphasizing that leadership should rotate among Nigeria’s regions to promote national unity.
She expressed strong support for the Tinubu family, recalling their past political alliance and mutual support during her husband Goodluck Jonathan’s rise to the presidency.
Her endorsement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Abdallah Yunus, a special assistant to the Kaduna State governor, condemned her statement on social media, saying, “We, the supporters of Goodluck Jonathan, strongly condemn this statement.”
This reaction highlights the political tension, given that Goodluck Jonathan was a key figure of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Tinubu(s) are prominent in the ruling party.
Patience Jonathan’s remarks also addressed gender equality, as she lamented the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of bills aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance, despite previous executive support for affirmative action.
She praised the work of her NGOs in empowering women and youth and called for greater inclusion of women in elective positions.
Her public support for the Tinubu administration and rejection of a political comeback marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, stirring debate across social and political spheres.
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