Former First Lady Patience Jonathan says she won’t return to power in 2027. Instead, she’s backing Oluremi Tinubu and President Bola Tinubu, citing loyalty and the principle of political “turn-by-turn.”
- Patience Jonathan ruled out returning to Aso Rock in 2027, saying, “If you call me, I will not go.”
- She pledged to campaign for First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, calling her “a friend” with whom she has longstanding ties.
- Jonathan emphasized her belief in political succession, saying, “There is only one president at a time… It’s turn by turn.”
- Her comments came at an award ceremony for Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, where she praised the Tinubu family’s support for women.
- She recalled the Tinubus’ support during her husband’s 2011 presidential campaign as a reason for her loyalty.
Jonathan’s remarks point to a deeper political culture of reciprocity and personal allegiance in Nigerian politics. For many, it’s not just about ideology—it’s about who stood by you when it mattered. Her speech resonated with women leaders in attendance, who viewed her words as a call for unity and continuity.
With 2027 on the horizon, her endorsement could rally support from southern women’s groups and political blocs aligned with her. But will this loyalty-based politics hold up in a changing Nigeria?
