Oluremi Tinubu: ‘How my husband was betrayed during 2023 presidential race’

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has opened up about the political betrayals her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, endured during the 2023 presidential election.

In her newly released 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, unveiled to mark her 65th birthday, Oluremi recounted the challenges her family faced on the road to the presidency.

According to her, the idea of running for president was something Tinubu had “mused on for over 14 years.” But when the time finally came, many allies she expected to stand by him either distanced themselves or chose to wait and see how events would unfold.

“Most people I thought would support the idea, because of past relationships, were not forthcoming,” the First Lady wrote. “Some consultations were favourable, while others were neither here nor there. Some said no indirectly, while others would rather want to see the outcome before taking a position.”

Despite the setbacks, she said her husband pressed forward with faith, and she herself chose not to hold grudges against anyone.

“I realised that whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man,” she said, adding that she had to let go of bitterness through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Citing biblical passages, Oluremi stressed that the experience taught her to rely on God rather than man.

“When they help, it is God using them to be a blessing. When they stop, it means their assignment for you from God has ended,” she noted.

The First Lady concluded by reaffirming her faith: “So look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.”