First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has revealed that her husband’s decision to contest the 2023 presidential election on a Muslim-Muslim ticket subjected her to isolation within her local church community.
Mrs. Tinubu made the disclosure in her newly released 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, launched to mark her 65th birthday.
She recounted that the choice of running mate, which paired her husband, President Bola Tinubu, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, became a “bitter pill” for many in her church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
“My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split,” the First Lady wrote. “I kept attending church, but some members avoided me over the decision. Still, I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian. So the little resentment I witnessed was met with the peace of God.”
Mrs. Tinubu, who has worshipped at RCCG since 2007 and rose to the rank of Assistant Pastor in 2018, said she could not abandon the congregation where she had served for over 15 years.
“All the same, despite a few who showed hostility, many were encouraging, especially our elders, who would encourage me from time to time with prayers,” she said.
The All Progressives Congress’ decision to field a same-faith ticket had sparked intense criticism from Christian groups and opposition leaders at the time. But Mrs. Tinubu insisted she had moved on from the hostility, saying her strength came from her faith.
“I do not have anything against anyone… the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, assuring me that it is God’s prerogative,” she wrote. “If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there any other thing that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing, so let it go.”
Reflecting on betrayals her husband faced from close allies during his presidential bid, she said she learned not to rely on people but on God.
“Most people I thought would support the idea because of past relationships were not forthcoming. Some said no indirectly, while others would rather want to see the outcome before taking a position,” the First Lady explained. “I realised that whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man.”
According to her, the episode strengthened her faith and helped her embrace forgiveness. “Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most. Like my Saviour Jesus Christ in Acts 10:38, who, after He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, went about doing good. I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater.”
President Bola Tinubu went on to win the February 2023 election, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
