2023 Election: Muslim-Muslim Ticket Divided My Church, Tested My Faith – Oluremi Tinubu

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that her husband’s choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election left her isolated in her local church and caused divisions within her parish. She described the episode as a “bitter pill” that also challenged her faith.

Mrs Tinubu made the revelation in her new 52-page book titled The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, which was obtained by The PUNCH in commemoration of her 65th birthday. The memoir, divided into five chapters covering the years 2021 to 2025, features a foreword written by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

Reflecting on the controversy, the First Lady wrote: “One of such decisions was the unpopular ‘Muslim/Muslim ticket’. My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split.”

According to her, the backlash reminded her that the church, like every other institution, is filled with people of different political leanings. She recalled how, even during her 2011 Senate campaign, her church parish rejected her posters, prompting her to never attempt such again.

Despite the animosity, Mrs Tinubu said she chose to remain in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, where she had served since 2007, rising from worker to Assistant Pastor in 2018. “I kept attending church, and I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian. So the little resentment I witnessed from a few was met with the peace of God,” she wrote.

She, however, expressed gratitude to members who stood by her, especially elders who offered prayers and encouragement until her husband eventually won the February 2023 election with Kashim Shettima as running mate.

The First Lady also disclosed that she has long forgiven those who betrayed her husband during the campaign, insisting she bears no grudge. “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,” she noted.

Mrs Tinubu further recounted that some of President Bola Tinubu’s close associates were reluctant to support his presidential ambition despite years of relationship, teaching her to rely solely on God’s reward rather than man’s.

She anchored her resilience on scripture, saying her decision to forgive and let go was drawn from lessons in the Bible. “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,” she wrote.

In the memoir, the First Lady concludes that her political journey and trials within the church have strengthened her faith, adding that she remains committed to doing good, making peace, and working for a greater Nigeria.

— Source: The PUNCH