Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has opened up about the personal and spiritual challenges she faced during her husband’s presidential bid, particularly the controversy that trailed the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2023.
In her newly released 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, launched to mark her 65th birthday, Mrs. Tinubu recounted how the decision strained her relationship with members of her local church and tested her faith.
“Some in my local assembly found my husband’s choice of a Muslim running mate to be a bitter pill, and for a while I experienced resentment,” she wrote. “But I remained steadfast in worship, and over time God gave me peace.”
She disclosed that despite the hostility she sometimes felt within the church, she was encouraged by elders and fellow worshippers who stood by her through the campaign season.
The former Lagos Central senator also used the memoir to reflect on betrayals her family experienced during the election. She said she had chosen not to bear grudges, stressing that forgiveness and reliance on God were her greatest sources of strength.
“I knew the grace factor was evident. The Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, but to allow God to fight for us,” she wrote.
Mrs. Tinubu, who has been a committed member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God since 2007, rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Pastor in 2018. She said her 15-year journey in the church made her determined not to abandon her place of worship despite political pressure.
The book, arranged chronologically from 2021 to 2025, also chronicles her husband’s political journey, their family’s experiences, and her reflections on gratitude, perseverance, and grace.
President Bola Tinubu eventually won the February 2023 polls with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
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