President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he almost withdrew from the 2023 presidential race due to the challenges he faced during the campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, Tinubu reflected on his political journey, sharing a moment of doubt that tested his resolve.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me,” he said. “During the campaign, a relative visited me at 3:30 a.m. and requested N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle. He lamented that the currency crisis was because of me, that people were jumping over bank counters due to the cash scarcity, and that even our wealthy uncle did not have N10,000 in cash. Then he asked, ‘What are you running for?’”
Tinubu said he gave his relative the money, but as the man left, he doubted his chances of winning.
“I almost abandoned my ambition that night,” Tinubu admitted. “But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me, I pressed on.”
The President acknowledged that he assumed office at a time of economic turmoil, requiring immediate, tough decisions—including the removal of fuel subsidies.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to make a decision not originally in my speech: the removal of fuel subsidies,” he said. “Nigeria had reached a point of no return, and as a leader, I had to act decisively.”
Shettima: Tinubu took on the challenges others avoided
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s courage, stating that history will remember him as the leader who confronted Nigeria’s toughest economic and governance issues.
“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents will not have to battle fuel subsidy fraud, an unstable forex market, or local government suppression,” Shettima said. “Many before him sidestepped these issues, but Asiwaju did not.”
Akpabio: Tinubu is Nigeria’s most audacious president
Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a leader who forgives and prioritizes national development.
“He is the most audacious president in our history,” Akpabio said. “Under his leadership, state governors receive higher allocations. If I were a governor under his administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor.’”
‘A leader beyond tribal lines’ – Kalu, Uzodinma, and Tijjani
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, commended Tinubu for transcending tribal politics.
“In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment,” Kalu said. “Nigeria needs leaders like him, who prioritize competence over ethnicity.”
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also lauded Tinubu’s decisive leadership, crediting him for preventing national collapse.
Similarly, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, recounted how Tinubu appointed him despite his history of activism.
“Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” Tijjani said.
He added that a senior World Bank official recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
‘Divine Providence Led Him to the Presidency’ – Prof. Amuwo
Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reflected on their early years, attributing Tinubu’s rise to destiny.
“Our relationship began in childhood—we played soccer together,” Amuwo said. “While I chose the library, my brother chose politics. Today, Allah has guided him to lead Nigeria, and I pray for his continued wisdom and success.”
