Nigeria’s First Lady Remi Tinubu Reveals Heartbreaking Betrayal by Close Friends and Spiritual Family

Remi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced after the 2023 general elections, revealing that she grappled with fear, uncertainty, and a profound sense of solitude. She confessed to doubting her readiness to fulfill the demanding role of First Lady in Africa’s most populous country.
In her lady-no-grudges/” title=”First …: "I Hold No Grudges – My Heart Is Open to All”>recently published 52-page memoir, *The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things*, released in celebration of her 65th birthday, Mrs. Tinubu reflects on the heavy weight of expectations placed upon her.
She candidly shared, “I was overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, often questioning whether I was truly prepared and capable of serving effectively as the First Lady of such a vast and complex nation.”
In the days leading up to her husband’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, she revealed moments of deep vulnerability, often shedding tears in solitude and feeling betrayed by those she once trusted.
She recounted, “Despite our electoral success, I found myself isolated, crying in private, and bewildered by the betrayal of individuals I had considered close friends and spiritual confidants-people to whom I had opened both my home and heart.”
While some allies distanced themselves, others stood firm, offering solace and reminding her of a divine purpose.
Mrs. Tinubu also admitted to experiencing bouts of despair, which she described as occasional “pity parties.”
“If you ask whether I ever indulged in moments of self-pity, the answer is yes. I pondered deeply about whom I could turn to for emotional support and guidance,” she confessed.
Her mentor’s unwavering reminders of God’s promises played a crucial role in silencing the harsh criticisms and restoring her inner strength.
Ultimately, her faith became the cornerstone that renewed her confidence and redirected her energy toward meaningful service.
“It was time to move forward, to strategize on initiatives that would uplift our people, and to prepare myself mentally, physically, and spiritually for the inauguration,” she reflected.
While President Bola Tinubu focused on forming his cabinet, Mrs. Tinubu dedicated herself to developing her own agenda.
She revealed that her flagship project, the Renewed Hope Initiative, was designed to complement the President’s broader Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I was determined that my program align seamlessly with the President’s vision, which led me to establish the Renewed Hope Initiative. This initiative targets five critical sectors: Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Investment,” she explained.
Sharing intimate details about the inauguration preparations, Mrs. Tinubu noted the unexpected difficulty in selecting the perfect attire.
“Most of the garments I considered didn’t meet my expectations; I desired a traditional royal fabric such as Alari or Etu for the occasion. Fortunately, a close friend brought me a suitable set just a week before the event… Within days, I had the outfit I wore. For other events, I relied on cherished pieces from my wardrobe,” she recounted.
She emphasized that her husband’s outfit took precedence, stating, “His attire was paramount because it was his inaugural moment, ahead of anyone else’s.”
The First Lady also revealed the emotional strain caused by her husband’s controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket, which led to tensions with church organizations.
She expressed how the criticism from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria left her feeling alienated even within her own church community.