She made the remarks on Friday, October 23, 2026, during the inauguration of the headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Abuja, an organisation mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Mrs Tinubu said she looked forward to a Nigeria where improvements in infrastructure and public services would make life more comfortable for citizens.
“I want to leave Aso Rock in 2031, by the grace of God, and enter a Nigeria that I, as a 70-something-year-old woman, will enjoy,” she said.
The First Lady cited developments at Nigerian airports as evidence that changes were taking place under her husband’s administration.
She said she wanted to be able to arrive at an airport and complete her travel arrangements without unnecessary delays, adding that improvements to airport facilities suggested that progress was being made.
“I want to get to the airport and travel quickly, you know. You can see that our airports are changing, so things are happening in Nigeria,” she stated.
Mrs Tinubu also took a humorous swipe at critics who, in her view, had failed to acknowledge the administration’s achievements.
She suggested that such people might need special eyeglasses to help them recognise the changes she said were taking place in the country.
“Those who don’t see, maybe we’ll give them some Bola Tinubu eyeglasses. We are doing that, Jigibola,” she said.
The expression, which referenced her husband’s name, drew attention as she defended the administration’s record and expressed confidence in its development agenda.
Her remarks came as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continued to gather momentum, with supporters of the President stepping up efforts to mobilise voters for a possible second term.
The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement is part of the political mobilisation surrounding the President’s re-election campaign. Mrs Tinubu subsequently commissioned the movement’s headquarters in Abuja, signalling her support for the initiative.
President Tinubu’s administration has faced public debate over its economic policies, infrastructure projects and the cost of living. While supporters point to ongoing projects and policy changes as evidence of progress, critics have continued to raise concerns about the impact of economic conditions on households and businesses.
The First Lady’s comments reflect the administration’s position that improvements are underway and that Nigerians should recognise the changes being implemented.
Her hope of leaving office in 2031 to enjoy a better country also conveyed her expectation that the President’s policies would deliver lasting benefits beyond his current tenure.
As the 2027 election approaches, the administration’s record, the pace of development and the everyday experiences of Nigerians are likely to remain central issues in political debate.
