President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he nearly withdrew from the 2023 presidential race due to the challenges he faced, including doubts from close relatives. The revelation came during a special Iftar dinner at the Presidential Villa, where he also expressed profound appreciation to Nigerians for their birthday well-wishes and unwavering support.
Recounting a moment of self-doubt, President Tinubu shared how a relative approached him at 3:30 a.m. during the campaign, seeking N50,000 for food and blaming him for the nationwide cash shortage at the time. “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 discouragement, Tinubu said he remained resolute. “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000, but later discovered he only gave our uncle N10,000 and kept the rest. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running, but thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me,” he said.
Decision on Fuel Subsidy Removal
President Tinubu also reflected on the tough decisions he had to make upon assuming office, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy. “On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he stated. He emphasized that the decision, though widely criticized at the time, was necessary for Nigeria’s economic future.
“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,” he said.
Praise for Tinubu’s Leadership
Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s resilience and leadership, stating that his bold policies had paved the way for future administrations. “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy,” Shettima remarked.
Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Tinubu’s ability to forgive and his passion for national development. He described him as the ‘most audacious president’ in Nigeria’s history, highlighting how state governors now receive increased allocations under his leadership.
A Leader Above Tribal Sentiments
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, hailed Tinubu for his inclusivity, sharing how the President supported his political journey despite not being from the same region. “Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” Kalu said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also praised Tinubu’s decisive leadership, stating that his bold decisions have helped stabilize Nigeria during challenging times.
Tinubu’s Recognition Beyond Nigeria
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, recounted how a senior World Bank official recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, also spoke about their early years together and how divine providence had guided Tinubu’s political journey. “The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth,” he noted.
The event, attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, top government officials, religious leaders, and business executives, also featured special prayers led by Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, for the continued progress of Nigeria under Tinubu’s leadership.
