In her newly released memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu shares an intimate account of the challenges she faced during her husband’s decision to run on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket in 2023.
Describing the experience as a “bitter pill,” she reveals how it left her feeling isolated within her local church community and tested her faith.
The 52-page book, which coincides with her 65th birthday, is structured into five chapters covering the years from 2021 to 2025 and features a foreword by Dr. Folashade Olukoya of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.
Reflecting on the campaign, she writes, “We kept moving forward with hope in God, despite the odds stacked against him.” However, the decision to adopt a same-faith ticket drew sharp criticism and divided her parish at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations. “My being a Christian did not matter,” she noted, highlighting the diversity of political opinions within the church.
Idije recounted her past experiences with church politics, recalling how her own campaign for the Senate in 2011 was met with resistance, prompting her to refrain from future political involvement in her church. Yet, she emphasized that her husband’s presidential bid was a different challenge altogether.
Despite facing animosity, she remained committed to her faith, stating, “I kept attending church, and I thank God I have grown from being a baby to a mature Christian.” She found solace in the support of some church members, particularly elders who offered prayers and encouragement during tumultuous times.
Mrs. Tinubu also opened up about the sense of betrayal she felt from some of her husband’s closest allies during the election. Nevertheless, she expressed a commitment to forgiveness, stating, “I do not have anything against anyone… I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me.”
The First Lady acknowledged that while some individuals she had expected to support her husband’s ambitions were absent during the campaign, she learned valuable lessons about trust and reliance on God. She cited Jesus’ example of doing good despite facing opposition as a guiding principle in her life.
“Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most,” she wrote, echoing scripture that encourages believers to bless their enemies and trust in divine providence rather than human approval.
In closing, Senator Tinubu expressed her gratitude for the strength she has drawn from her faith and her commitment to contributing positively to Nigeria’s future. “I am at peace, doing all I can to make Nigeria better and greater,” she affirmed, encouraging readers to embrace resilience and gratitude in all circumstances.
Her memoir is a testament to the complexities of navigating personal faith while engaging in the political sphere, offering insights that resonate with many in Nigeria today.
