In The Journey of Grace: Giving Thanks in All Things, a 52-page reflection on faith and resilience, Mrs. Tinubu described the period as one of intense isolation, doubt, and spiritual testing amid the high-stakes campaign.

The First Lady recounted how her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, faced desertion from some long-time associates after deciding to pursue the presidency following over 14 years of contemplation. 

“Some of those I considered friends and spiritual family turned away,” she wrote, admitting to moments of despair where she hosted “pity parties” and questioned her readiness to serve as Nigeria’s First Lady. 

The emotional toll was compounded by the controversy surrounding the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, which she said “split” her local church community, including the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where she rose to become an Assistant Pastor in 2018.  

Despite the pain, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized forgiveness as a cornerstone of her journey, drawing parallels to biblical teachings. 

“I do not have anything against anyone… the question is how did I not feel the betrayal anymore? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me,” she stated, underscoring that divine intervention, not human loyalty, ultimately prevailed.  

She revealed that church elders eventually reconciled with her, even organizing for parishioners to watch President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, at the RCCG headquarters.

The memoir also touches on lighter, personal anecdotes, such as the last-minute scramble for her inauguration outfit, a traditional Alari or Etu fabric sourced just a week before the event and the seclusion of life in Aso Rock, which she counters through prayer and thanksgiving.  

Mrs. Tinubu, a former Lagos Central Senator and First Lady of Lagos State (1999–2007), portrayed the betrayals as a “bitter pill” but affirmed her choice of peace over bitterness, noting, “Whatever good you do in life, it is only God who rewards you and not man.”