The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has stated that she has forgiven those who betrayed her husband, President Bola Tinubu, during the 2023 general elections.

According to her, she has chosen peace and holds no grudge against anyone despite the challenges of that period.

In her new memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, launched to mark her 65th birthday, Mrs. Tinubu reflected on the difficult moments leading up to the elections, describing the experience as a test of faith.

She wrote: “I do not have anything against anyone…the question is how I did not feel the betrayal anymore? 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. If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there any other thing that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing, so let it go.”

Mrs. Tinubu also recounted that the decision for her husband to contest the presidency had been in his heart for more than 14 years but received mixed reactions, even from his closest allies.

“Most people I thought would support the idea, because past relationships were not forthcoming. After consulting with some of his political allies, he was set to give it a shot. The decision now rested on him to go on or not to. A lot of consultations began. Some 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.”


She acknowledged that the betrayals were painful but said her faith helped her move past them.

“I realised that whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man. Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most. Like my Saviour Jesus Christ in Acts 10:38, who, after He was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power, went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him. So I do not have anything against anyone, and that also shows the frailty of man. Man is not God. We should never put our trust in any 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. Jeremiah 17:5-8. So look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Hebrews 12:2.”

She also shared a defining spiritual experience:

“One morning, while I was in the bathroom, the Holy Spirit dropped this Word in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 in my spirit man. He further explained to me that it is not in some things to give thanks, but in everything, both good and bad. Then I realised that this publication’s subtitle will be just that.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added:

“I became free to write without expecting anything from man, but God. Also, when the Word of God says we should bless our enemies, not curse them, and do good to those who persecute us, and despitefully use us. Also, that whatsoever we do, we should do unto the Lord, that with whatever you measure unto others, God will measure back to you. I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater.”

The First Lady further admitted that life in Aso Rock could feel “secluded and lonely,” but said she draws strength from scripture, prayer, and thanksgiving.