The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has come to the defense of former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, describing criticisms against her endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term as "baseless."

Mrs. Jonathan has faced significant backlash after publicly declaring her support for President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. She had stated that she had no plans to return to Aso Rock and would work toward ensuring Tinubu's continuity in office.

In a statement released on Monday, signed by National President Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and National Secretary Comrade Obinna Achionye, the Ohanaeze youth wing emphasized that the former First Lady has the constitutional right to support any politician of her choice.

"There is freedom of choice guaranteed by Nigeria's Constitution and natural laws. What the former First Lady, Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan is doing is exercising that right of choice," the statement read.

The group further stated that those uncomfortable with her political stance are equally free to support candidates of their preference, adding that critics should "have a rethink and allow Dame Patience to be."

The Ohanaeze youth leadership praised the former First Lady as "one of the finest and caring First Ladies ever produced in Nigeria," highlighting her "passion and commitment towards the welfare of the downtrodden" and her "large followership which cuts across every part of the country and beyond."

In a direct challenge to her critics, the organization urged them to "be brave enough to name the person they are supporting" rather than simply criticizing Mrs. Jonathan's choice.

The statement concluded by advising Dame Jonathan to ignore individuals who use social media to "abuse anyone who shares different political opinions as their paymasters."

This development comes as political alignments continue to form ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with various stakeholders beginning to declare their positions nearly two years before the polls.