By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
In a move that has jolted Nigeria’s political class, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has publicly pledged support for the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections, affirming that she has no intention of returning to the Aso Rock Villa.
Speaking during a recent public appearance, Mrs. Jonathan dispelled ongoing speculation about her political ambitions or any plans to challenge the current administration, choosing instead to align herself with the wife of President Bola Tinubu. She revealed a longstanding relationship with Senator Tinubu that predates their husbands’ presidencies.
“I didn’t just know her [Oluremi Tinubu] because she’s the First Lady, no,” Mrs. Jonathan said. “We worked together… even when my husband was Vice President, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election.”
Her remarks come as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to simmer with realignments ahead of the 2027 polls. A respected figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), her endorsement of the APC-led presidency has left many party faithfuls stunned and sparked conversations about loyalty, strategy, and friendship in politics.
“For me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not,” she added in a subtle rebuke to critics questioning her political allegiance.
Although former President Goodluck Jonathan has remained publicly neutral, his wife’s open support for the First Lady’s activities may have implications for political alignments in the coming years. Some analysts see her involvement as both symbolic and strategic, especially given her strong grassroots network and popularity among women in the South-South and South-East regions.
While political observers continue to debate the ripple effects of her declaration, one thing is clear Patience Jonathan has removed herself from any race back to the presidency, but not from the political field entirely.
Instead, she appears poised to be a formidable ally in the First Lady’s political engagements, potentially swaying undecided voters and further blurring traditional party boundaries.