"I'm Not Going Back to Aso Rock - I'll Campaign for Tinubu in 2027" - Patience Jonathan Declares, Sparks Outrage in PDP Circles

... Former First Lady shocks Nigerians as she pledges loyalty to Remi Tinubu, dismisses any plan to return to power with her husband

By All Facts Newspaper - Abuja | May 11, 2025

In a shocking political twist that has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria's former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has categorically ruled out any ambition of returning to Aso Rock come 2027 and instead pledged to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Patience made the explosive revelation on Saturday night during the Women Icon Leader of the Year award ceremony hosted by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja, where she was honouring Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, daughter of the President and current Iyaloja-General of Nigeria.

Standing before a high-profile audience, Dame Patience broke political ranks with her party and declared her unshaken support for the Tinubu family, openly promising to "campaign" and "stand by" the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, whom she called "a friend I will never deny."

"I'm not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go," Patience said bluntly. "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 the country can move forward."

The ex-First Lady stunned the audience as she passionately aligned herself with the Tinubu-led administration, a move many see as a direct betrayal of the PDP legacy, especially that of her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan.

ÔÜí A Deep Political Shift?

Dame Patience's declaration marks a dramatic realignment in Nigeria's political landscape as the 2027 general elections approach. Her statements may deepen existing cracks within the PDP and further strengthen the APC's southern base, especially among women.

Recounting her long-standing relationship with Oluremi Tinubu, Patience explained that their bond predates the current administration.

"We worked together from the days I was a deputy governor's wife, governor's wife, and up to when my husband was Vice President. Oluremi and her husband stood by us when we contested in 2011. I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend," she said.

In what appeared to be a subtle jab at unnamed political elements hoping for a Jonathan comeback in 2027, Patience made it unequivocally clear that her days in the villa were over - and that her loyalty lies with her "friend" Remi Tinubu and her husband.

"There's only one president at a time. I'm outspoken. If I don't like something, I'll say it. But if I like something, I die for it," she added with conviction.

Her endorsement of Tinubu's re-election may be seen as a signal that some influential southern figures are consolidating support behind the incumbent, despite ongoing economic challenges and political criticisms.

­ƒº¿ PDP Silent, Public Divided

While the PDP is yet to officially respond, political watchers say this development could trigger tension within the party and may even affect Goodluck Jonathan's political relevance.

Critics online have described Patience's remarks as "undermining," while APC loyalists have hailed her as a "voice of conscience."

The question now remains - how will her husband and former President Goodluck Jonathan respond to this loud and clear departure from opposition ranks?