President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly withdrew from the 2023 presidential race due to mounting challenges.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reflected on a moment of doubt during his campaign, recalling a conversation with a relative that almost made him reconsider his ambition.
He recounted how, during the election period, a family member visited him in the early hours of the morning, complaining about the cash scarcity caused by the naira redesign policy.
The relative lamented that even their wealthy uncle could not access ₦10,000, questioning why Tinubu was still pursuing the presidency.
Despite the discouragement, Tinubu stood his ground, reaffirming his determination to win the election.
The President further revealed that he later discovered the messenger had kept a significant portion of the money meant for their uncle, a revelation that momentarily made him question his political journey.
However, he credited Aminu Masari and other allies for reigniting his resolve, with Masari urging him not to look back.
Reflecting on his early decisions in office, Tinubu noted that he had to make tough calls, including the removal of fuel subsidies on his inauguration day, a decision that attracted immediate criticism.
He described leadership as the ability to make difficult choices at the right time, emphasizing that his actions were aimed at securing Nigeria’s future.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s courage, describing him as a leader who confronted challenges that past administrations had avoided.
According to Shettima, Tinubu’s bold reforms—such as tackling fuel subsidy fraud, stabilizing the forex market, and promoting local government autonomy—would benefit future Nigerian leaders.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting his forgiving nature and innovative approach to governance.
He described the President as the most audacious leader in Nigeria’s history, stating that under Tinubu’s administration, governors were receiving higher allocations than ever before.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, lauded Tinubu’s ability to mentor and uplift politicians across different regions, emphasizing his commitment to national unity.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, also praised the President’s decisive leadership, crediting his bold decisions for preventing national economic collapse.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, shared his personal experience of being appointed by Tinubu despite his past activism.
He recalled a World Bank official describing Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today, further reinforcing the President’s impact on governance.
Tinubu’s childhood friend, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, reminisced about their early years together, noting that divine providence had led Tinubu to the presidency.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu’s leadership would steer Nigeria towards progress, praying for continued guidance as he tackles the nation’s challenges.
