A social reform group, “The Crusader,” has strongly criticised former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan for her recent comments regarding the 2027 presidential elections.
The backlash came in response to Mrs Jonathan’s declaration that she would campaign alongside the current First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, claiming she has no intention of returning to Aso Rock.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Adesola Babafemi, the group emphasised that it is the Nigerian electorate, not Mrs. Jonathan, who will determine the fate of her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, should he choose to run for office again.
Babafemi remarked, “Dame Patience knows very well that if her husband decides to run for the presidency in 2027, he will receive overwhelming support from Nigerians. Moreover, She will certainly never be the First Lady again but the people are ready to vote for him en masse.”
The group further highlighted the qualities of Goodluck Jonathan’s younger wife, stating, “The former president is legally married to a refined, humane, and cerebral woman who is a lawyer and fits perfectly into the role of a First Lady.”
The statement pointed to recent developments involving the federal government, noting, “It is worth mentioning that the current administration has returned all properties seized from Dame Patience by the EFCC. This raises questions about her motivations and her alignment with the ruling party.”
Furthermore, the group urged her to refrain from making statements that suggest she is speaking on behalf of the former president, adding, that is not her role.
Babafemi stated, “We call on her to desist from implying that she is the spokesperson for the former president, a position she does not hold.”
The Crusader voiced frustration over what it described as “theatrical actions” by Patience Jonathan during her term as First Lady from 2010 to 2015, asserting that Nigerians have had enough of her attempts to influence political discourse.
“Her tenure ridiculed the Office of the First Lady, and it is time for the public to recognise that her past actions do not reflect the values we need in leadership today.”
The group reiterated that the decision lies firmly with the Nigerian people, who will decide the viability of any potential political return by H.E Dr. Goodluck Jonathan family, as the 2027 elections approach.