President Bola Tinubu revealed on Saturday that he came close to abandoning his 2023 presidential campaign due to doubts he faced during the election period. Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honor at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, he expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians for their overwhelming support and prayers on his 73rd birthday.
In excerpts shared by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu recounted how a close relative visited him late one night during the campaign and questioned his resolve to run for president. The relative, who asked for N50,000 to buy foodstuff for their uncle, highlighted the challenges Nigerians were facing with currency shortages, saying, “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?”
Tinubu responded firmly, “I am running for President, not for you and our uncle,” and provided the N50,000. However, his relative left with a remark, “I don’t think you will make it.” In that moment, Tinubu admitted, “I almost dropped the idea of running for President.” But he credited his support network, including Aminu Masari, for keeping him focused and determined to continue.
Reflecting on his journey, Tinubu acknowledged the obstacles faced on his way to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress. He shared how, on the day of his inauguration, he made the swift decision to end the fuel subsidy, despite it not being part of his speech. “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time,” Tinubu said. “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.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s bold leadership, noting that his decisions had addressed longstanding issues that previous administrations had avoided. Shettima remarked, “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents 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. Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the President as “the most audacious president in Nigeria’s history,” while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu commended Tinubu for his political support in 2019 despite regional differences.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also lauded Tinubu’s decisive leadership, attributing it to his deep conviction and love for Nigeria. The Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, praised Tinubu’s reformist approach, sharing that a senior World Bank official had recently called him “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
One of the President’s childhood friends, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, spoke of their early years, attributing Tinubu’s rise to divine providence. “Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria,” Amuwo said, recalling their shared experiences.
In his remarks, President Tinubu thanked his supporters, reaffirming his commitment to steer Nigeria toward stability and growth. Saturday’s Iftar event was attended by key figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly officials, current and former governors, diplomats, business leaders, religious leaders, and many of the President’s childhood friends.
The Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, led prayers seeking divine guidance for the President and the nation.
