In a strong show of support, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has come to the defense of Nigeria’s former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, following mounting criticism over her recent political endorsement of incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The youth wing of the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization released a statement Monday, dismissing the wave of criticism as “unfounded and unnecessary,” while affirming the constitutional right of all citizens to express political preferences.
Dame Jonathan sparked controversy last week when she publicly declared her intention to back President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, stating categorically that she had “no desire to return to the presidential villa.” The statement, perceived by some as a rebuke to her husband’s political camp, ignited heated debates across traditional and social media platforms.
“Every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of political expression and association,” said Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze youth wing, in the jointly signed statement with National Secretary Comrade Obinna Achionye. “The former First Lady is simply exercising her constitutional right to support any politician of her choice.”
The youth leaders further emphasized that those uncomfortable with Dame Jonathan’s position are equally free to support candidates of their preference, challenging critics to be transparent about their own political alignments rather than targeting others for differing views.
“The harassment Dame Jonathan has faced online is symptomatic of a disturbing trend where paid social media operatives vilify anyone who diverges from their paymasters’ agenda,” the statement noted.
The group highlighted Dame Jonathan’s enduring legacy as First Lady, describing her as “one of the finest and most caring First Ladies ever produced in Nigeria,” with an “unparalleled commitment to the welfare of the downtrodden.”
Political analysts view this intervention by the Ohanaeze youth wing as significant, given the group’s influence in southeastern Nigeria. Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, a political science professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, told our correspondent that the statement reflects broader dynamics within Nigerian politics.
“What we’re witnessing is the complex interplay of personal loyalty, ethnic considerations, and political pragmatism that characterizes Nigerian democracy,” Dr. Okafor explained. “The Ohanaeze youth’s defense of Dame Jonathan illustrates how political figures maintain relevance and influence even years after leaving office.”
Dame Jonathan, who served as First Lady from 2010 to 2015 during her husband Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, has maintained a substantial following across Nigeria despite being out of the official spotlight for a decade.
The Ohanaeze youth leadership urged her to disregard the criticisms and continue exercising her democratic rights, noting that her nationwide popularity remains strong years after her tenure as First Lady.
