President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he experienced a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign, leading him to consider abandoning his presidential ambition.
President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition due to a moment of doubt during the election campaign.
He shared this during a special Iftar held in his honor at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday night, where he also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their well wishes and prayers on his 73rd birthday.
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His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released excerpts of the President’s speech in a statement titled “President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.”
Tinubu recounted the pressures he faced, recalling a late-night visit from a close relative who questioned his resolve.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns. One came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.
“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?’
“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”
Tinubu added, “I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.
“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”
In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges he faced on his path to the presidency and reiterated his dedication to driving Nigeria’s progress.
He also pointed out that he assumed office during a time of economic hardship and had to make immediate decisions, such as eliminating the fuel subsidy on his first day in office.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.
“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone.
“The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” said Tinubu.
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