Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has ruled out the possibility of her husband contesting the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday at the Women Icon Leader of the Year award ceremony organized by Accolade Dynamics Limited, Mrs Jonathan declared her family’s full support for Tinubu’s re-election bid. She cited the past support her family received from Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the 2011 presidential election.

“There is only one President at a time,” she said. “I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back, so the country can move forward.”

Patience Jonathan emphasized her long-standing relationship with the Tinubus, recalling their support for her husband when he first contested for the presidency. “Even when my husband was the Vice President, Oluremi Tinubu stood by her husband and supported us during our first election. I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend,” she said.

Addressing fresh calls urging her husband to return to the political scene, she firmly rejected them. “I’m not running. I’m not going back to the Villa. If you call me, I won’t go,” she said. “People tell me I look young. That’s because I have peace of mind. I don’t want to go back there—let my friend enjoy it.”

She expressed willingness to campaign for Senator Oluremi Tinubu and play a supporting role, just as the Tinubus did for her family over a decade ago.

The former First Lady also lent her voice to the campaign for increased female representation in governance. She lamented the National Assembly’s repeated rejection of gender equality bills, despite past executive commitments to the 35% affirmative action for women.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it and the executive approved 35 per cent. My husband maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, men dominate and shut us out. May God touch their hearts to understand that we are not taking power from them—we’re supporting them,” she said.

Mrs Jonathan was honoured with the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award at the event, which was attended by prominent personalities including Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of President Tinubu.

In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to the collective efforts of those working to improve women’s health and economic empowerment across Nigeria. She highlighted the impact of her NGOs – the Aurora Richard Foundation and the Women for Change and Development Initiative, which provide skill acquisition programs for women and support children with serious health conditions.

The CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, said the event was aimed at celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to leadership, mentorship, and community development across Africa.

“This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” Chizaram said.