Former First Lady Patience Jonathan says she is not interested in returning to the Aso Rock, declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s government based on her past relationship with his wife, Remi Tinubu.

“I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go,” Mrs Jonathan said on Saturday while accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja.

“I stand by my friend (Mrs Tinubu). My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running.”

Mrs Jonathan said she worked with the incumbent First Lady in the past. She also recounted how Mr and Mrs Tinubu supported her husband, Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential bid in 2011.

“Even when my husband was the vice president, Oluremi stood with her husband and supported us during our first election. They supported us,” said Mrs Jonathan. “So, for me, I have a conscience. I cannot abandon my friend, whether you like it or not.”

Mrs Jonathan’s statement gives an insight into rumours on whether her husband will contest the 2027 presidential election.

The former First Lady also spoke about 35 per cent affirmative action, decrying men’s domination of Nigerian political space.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the executive approved 35 per cent. 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,” Mrs Jonathan said.