President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that he almost abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition due to moments of doubt during the election campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement issued on Sunday, shared excerpts of the President’s remarks, revealing the challenges he faced before emerging victorious in the election.
Campaign Struggles and Doubts
Reflecting on his journey, Tinubu recounted a critical moment when a relative visited him at 3:30 a.m., seeking financial assistance for food supplies. The man blamed Tinubu for the cash crunch at the time and questioned his decision to continue his presidential bid.
“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’”
Despite the doubts, Tinubu remained resolute, stating that he was running for President of Nigeria, not for personal interests.
“At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.’”
Difficult Leadership Decisions
President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges his administration inherited and the tough decisions he had to make upon assuming office. He specifically mentioned the removal of fuel subsidy, a policy that sparked mixed reactions across the country.
“On my inauguration day, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech—removing fuel subsidy. The hallmark of great leadership is making the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The next day, I faced criticism from the media, but I stood firm because I knew it was the right thing to do for the country’s future,” he stated.
Commendations for Tinubu’s Leadership
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s bold leadership, noting that his administration had tackled long-standing economic issues such as fraudulent fuel subsidies, foreign exchange instability, and local government autonomy.
“Thanks to his boldness, future Nigerian presidents will not have to struggle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations. Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it,” Shettima remarked.
Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Tinubu as Nigeria’s “most audacious president”, applauding his vision for national development.
“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said, referencing the improved revenue allocations to state governments under Tinubu’s leadership.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, also lauded the President for his inclusive leadership, recalling Tinubu’s support for him during a difficult political period in 2019, despite being from a different region.
“Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” Kalu noted.
National and Global Recognition
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended Tinubu for his decisive governance, emphasizing that only a leader with deep conviction could take the difficult but necessary steps required for national progress.
Similarly, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, speaking on behalf of cabinet members, revealed that a senior World Bank official recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
Prayers for the President and the Nation
The event, which had in attendance First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, senior government officials, business leaders, and diplomats, concluded with prayers led by Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, the Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, seeking divine guidance for the President and the nation.
President Tinubu, in his closing remarks, reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, thanking supporters who stood by him during his most challenging moments.
