A social reform group known as The Crusader has criticized former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan over her recent comments concerning the 2027 presidential elections, asserting that her time in office diminished the stature of the First Lady position.

The group?s reaction followed Mrs. Jonathan?s remarks that she would campaign alongside current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and had no plans of returning to Aso Rock. Speaking through its spokesperson, Adesola Babafemi, The Crusader stressed that the decision on who emerges victorious in the 2027 elections remains solely with the Nigerian electorate?not Mrs. Jonathan.

?Dame Patience knows very well that if her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, decides to run for the presidency in 2027, it is Nigerians who will determine his fate,? Babafemi stated. He added that while Jonathan might still enjoy public support, ?She will certainly never be the First Lady again, but people are ready to vote for him en masse.?

The group also praised Goodluck Jonathan?s younger wife, describing her as ?refined, humane, and cerebral,? noting her legal background as fitting for the role of First Lady.

Addressing recent developments, Babafemi pointed out that the current administration had restored properties seized from Patience Jonathan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), questioning her sudden alignment with the ruling party.

?It is worth mentioning that the federal government has returned all properties seized from Dame Patience by the EFCC. This raises questions about her motivations and her alignment with the ruling party,? Babafemi noted.

The Crusader further urged Patience Jonathan to refrain from making public statements that suggest she speaks on behalf of the former president. Babafemi asserted, ?We call on her to desist from implying that she is the spokesperson for the former president, a position she does not hold.?

Reflecting on her tenure from 2010 to 2015, the group accused Patience Jonathan of reducing the dignity of the Office of the First Lady through ?theatrical actions,? adding that Nigerians are ?tired of her attempts to influence political discourse.?

?Her tenure ridiculed the Office of the First Lady, and it is time for the public to recognize that her past actions do not reflect the values we need in leadership today,? the group stated.

As the 2027 elections approach, The Crusader emphasized that only Nigerians would decide the political future of the Jonathan family, irrespective of any public declarations by the former First Lady. (Vanguard)

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