Oluremi Tinubu says Muslim-Muslim ticket isolated her in church, calling it a ‘bitter pill’ that split her parish and tested her Christian faith

Oluremi Tinubu Muslim-Muslim ticket stance has stirred public reflection as the First Lady recounts the personal cost of her husband’s controversial 2023 presidential bid.

Also read: Mudashiru Husain Celebrates Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, on Her Birthday

In her newly released 52-page memoir, The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, the First Lady revealed that the decision by President Bola Tinubu to run alongside a fellow Muslim, Vice President Kashim Shettima, left her isolated within her church and tested her Christian faith.

“My being a Christian did not matter. My local Assembly, Redeemed Christian Church of God, was split. It was a bitter pill for them to chew,” she wrote.

Mrs Tinubu, a long-time member of the RCCG, said she had attended the church for 15 years and had risen from being a new member to Assistant Pastor by 2018. Yet, despite her loyalty, she faced resentment from some church members following the same-faith ticket announcement.

She noted that the 2023 campaign was a turning point, not just politically but spiritually:

“We kept moving forward with hope in God, and each campaign was interesting despite the fact that all the odds were stacked against him.”

The All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket sparked heated national debate, with Christian groups raising concerns over religious representation.

Critics saw it as a divisive move in a deeply religious and multi-faith nation, while supporters insisted on competence over religion.

Despite the backlash, the First Lady said she refused to leave her church, leaning instead on her personal relationship with God and the encouragement of a few elders.

“Many were encouraging, especially our elders who would support me with prayers… I thank my Local Assembly because most of them made me feel welcome and comfortable.”

Mrs Tinubu also revealed she had faced disappointment during her 2011 Senate campaign when her church declined to support her political posters.

“After that, I never tried again,” she added.

The memoir, released to mark her 65th birthday, is arranged chronologically from 2021 to 2025 and features a foreword by Dr Folashade Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.

In the book, Mrs Tinubu addressed the issue of betrayal during her husband’s presidential campaign, stating that some of his closest allies withdrew support when he finally declared his ambition—despite years of relationships.

“Most people I thought would support the idea… were not forthcoming. Some said no indirectly. Others would rather wait to see the outcome.”

She added that her faith enabled her to forgive freely and let go of any bitterness.

“I do not have anything against anyone… The Holy Spirit continually comforted me. Never to avenge myself, assuring me that it is God’s prerogative.”

Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, she wrote about surrendering the pain and choosing peace instead:

“Letting go is what I did; doing good is what matters most… We should never put our trust in any man.”

She quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Acts 10:38, emphasising that her experiences had only deepened her spiritual walk.

The First Lady’s account provides a rare personal insight into the emotional and spiritual struggles that accompanied the high-stakes 2023 presidential race.

Her words also reflect the wider tensions many Nigerians felt during the campaign season, especially those who viewed the Muslim-Muslim pairing as politically risky.

Despite the criticisms, Bola Tinubu went on to win the February 2023 election, defeating Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).

His victory marked a significant political milestone—but for the First Lady, it came with personal sacrifices.

Also read: Mudashiru Husain Celebrates Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, on Her Birthday

As the country continues to navigate its challenges, Oluremi Tinubu’s memoir reveals how deeply intertwined faith, politics, and identity are in Nigeria’s public life.