30th September 2025-Published by Cyril
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that her husband’s controversial decision to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023 left her isolated in her church and tested her faith as a Christian.
The disclosure was made in her new 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, launched to mark her 65th birthday.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the move by her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to pick Kashim Shettima as running mate sparked resentment within her parish at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
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- “One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim-Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, RCCG, was split,” she wrote, describing it as a “bitter pill” for the church community.
Despite the backlash, the First Lady insisted she never abandoned her church of 15 years, where she rose from worker to Assistant Pastor in 2018.
She admitted that while some members turned their backs, others—especially elders—encouraged her with prayers and support.
Mrs Tinubu also revealed she faced similar rejection during her 2011 Senate campaign, when her church refused to display her campaign posters.
Forgiveness and lessons from betrayal
Beyond the controversy, the First Lady said the 2023 election also revealed betrayal from some of her husband’s long-time allies who failed to support his presidential bid.
She explained that she chose forgiveness over bitterness, citing her reliance on scriptural guidance and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
- “I do not have anything against anyone… I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, assuring me that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us,” she wrote.
Mrs Tinubu said she drew strength from Acts 10:38, highlighting Jesus’ example of doing good despite opposition, and from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which teaches giving thanks in all circumstances.
She stressed that her experiences reinforced her belief that help comes from God, not man, urging Nigerians to place their trust in divine providence rather than political alliances.
Political journey and victory
Despite the resistance, President Tinubu eventually emerged victorious in the February 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (Labour Party) to become Nigeria’s 16th president.
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Reflecting on the journey, Mrs Tinubu described her husband’s determination to run as the culmination of 14 years of planning and consultations, adding that while many hesitated, God’s will ultimately prevailed.
She concluded that her experiences during the Muslim-Muslim ticket saga and the election have deepened her faith and commitment to both her family and the nation.
“I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater,” she affirmed.
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