Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has disclosed that the decision to run a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in the 2023 elections, led by her husband Bola Tinubu, sparked significant discord within her local church-love-story/” title=”How Dara and Sam…s … Meeting Sparked #AGoodThing Called Love!”>church community and disrupted established political relationships.
In her recently published memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, released in celebration of her 65th birthday, she reflects on how the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s choice to present a Muslim-Muslim ticket ignited sensitive religious tensions and challenged her personal faith.
Though a devout Christian and ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Oluremi revealed that even her own congregation was not immune to the controversy.
“We persevered with unwavering faith in God, navigating each campaign despite overwhelming obstacles,” she shared.
“The decision to field a Muslim-Muslim ticket was deeply unpopular. My Christian faith seemed irrelevant to many, and it caused divisions within my local RCCG assembly.”
Ordained as a pastor in 2018, Oluremi recounted that opposition from some church members was not a new experience. She recalled how, during her 2011 senatorial campaign, her promotional materials were rejected by the church community.
“I came to understand that, like many churches, ours comprises members with diverse political affiliations,” she explained.
“During my 2011 senate campaign, when I brought my posters to church, they were turned away. After that, I chose not to bring them again.”
Despite facing resistance, the First Lady remained committed to her church, viewing the challenges as opportunities for spiritual development.
“I continued attending services, and I am grateful to have matured in my Christian walk,” she wrote.
“Though a few expressed hostility, I was sustained by the peace of God. Many others, especially the elders, offered encouragement and prayers throughout.”
She further noted that the church leadership eventually embraced her fully, even organizing for members to witness her husband’s presidential inauguration in 2023.
On the political front, Oluremi revealed that Bola Tinubu encountered betrayal from some close confidants when he finally resolved to run for president after more than 14 years of contemplation.
“He had contemplated this ambition for over 14 years, and we reached a pivotal moment. Surprisingly, many I expected to support him, based on past alliances, were hesitant or withdrew their backing,” she recounted.
“Following consultations with political allies, he decided to proceed. Opinions varied-some were supportive, others indifferent, and a few declined outright or preferred to wait and see.”
Nevertheless, she expressed no resentment toward those who distanced themselves.
“I came to understand that true reward comes from God alone, not from people. I hold no grudges. How did I overcome the sense of betrayal? Through grace and the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit,” she reflected.
The memoir, spanning the years 2021 to 2025, includes a foreword by Folashade Olukoya, spouse of the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFMM). It offers an intimate glimpse into the trials, spiritual battles, and triumphs experienced by Nigeria’s First Lady during a critical phase of her husband’s political journey.
