11
May
May
FORMER FIRST LADY DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN RULES OUT RETURN TO ASO ROCK VILLA, DECLARES SUPPORT FOR TINUBU
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CapitalTimesNews / 1 week
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Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has declared that she will not return to Aso Rock Villa, instead choosing to campaign alongside First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at an event in Abuja, Jonathan expressed her admiration for President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “wonderful” president. Jonathan emphasized her support for the principle of rotational leadership, stating, “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 highlighted her longstanding relationship with Remi Tinubu, which predates their time in Aso Rock, and recalled how the First Lady and her husband supported her and her husband during their presidential bid in 2011. “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,” Jonathan said. She jokingly added, “Let me also ‘wahala’ her the way she used to ‘wahala’ me when I was there! Let me also tease her. And until she comes out, she will be young. But for now, she won’t be young.” Jonathan also expressed her support for the 35% affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the repeated rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly. “During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35%. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are their mothers, sisters, and friends. We are not trying to take power from them — we are trying to support them,” she said. The former First Lady received the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in recognition of her efforts in promoting good health and economic development for women in Nigeria and beyond. She highlighted the work of her NGOs, Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative, which have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programs and supported children with critical health conditions requiring surgeries abroad.