Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed that her husband’s decision to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023 strained her relationship with members of her local church, describing the experience as a “bitter pill” that tested her faith.
She made the revelation in her new 52-page memoir titled The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, released to mark her 65th birthday. The five-chapter book, which spans events from 2021 to 2025, includes a foreword by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.
According to Mrs Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) same-faith ticket, which paired her husband, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Kashim Shettima, drew backlash even from within her church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
“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,” she wrote.
She said the division within the parish reflected the diverse political leanings of members, recalling a similar incident in 2011 when her campaign posters for the Senate were rejected in church.
“But my husband’s bid for the Presidential Office was different, a bitter pill for them to chew,” she added.
The 2022 Muslim-Muslim ticket revived one of Nigeria’s most contentious political debates, with critics—particularly from Christian groups—warning that it could deepen religious divisions. Supporters of the move, however, argued that competence and political strategy should take precedence over religion.
Despite the tension, Mrs Tinubu said she remained committed to her faith and continued attending her local parish.
“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.
The First Lady noted that while some church members showed hostility, others offered her encouragement and prayers.
“All the same, despite a few who showed hostility, many were encouraging, especially our elders. I thank my local assembly because most of them made me feel welcome and comfortable whenever I was home from Abuja,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu, who has been a member of the RCCG since 2007, said she had served in various capacities, rising from a new member to an Assistant Pastor in 2018.
“I have been a dedicated member for 15 years. Within that time, from the new members class, I graduated from The Redeemed Christian Bible College and the School of Disciples to become a worker, then a Deaconess, and later an Assistant Pastor,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the political journey that led to her husband’s election victory in 2023, she said the path was marked by betrayal and disappointment from longtime allies.
“He had mused on the idea for over 14 years. Most people I thought would support the idea were not forthcoming. Some said no indirectly, while others preferred to wait and see,” she wrote.
The First Lady added that she has since forgiven those who betrayed her husband.
“I do not have anything against anyone. The grace of God comforted me not to avenge myself. If God fights your battles and you have won, there is nothing left to fix—so let it go,” she said.
President Tinubu went on to win the February 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Mrs Tinubu’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into her personal struggles during the campaign and her perspective on faith, forgiveness, and resilience amid political storms.
