President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has disclosed that he almost abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition due to immense challenges during the election campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honor at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday night, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.
Recounting a moment of doubt, the President shared an encounter with a close relative who questioned his determination.
“During the campaigns, one of my relatives visited me at 3:30 a.m., asking for N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle. He blamed me for the scarcity of cash and told me, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ But I responded, ‘I will make it,’” Tinubu said.
He admitted that the conversation left him contemplating quitting the race but credited former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari and other allies for encouraging him to stay the course.
Addressing the economic challenges he faced upon assuming office, Tinubu justified his controversial decision to remove the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day, emphasizing that decisive leadership requires tough choices.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s bold leadership, stating that his reforms have addressed long-standing economic issues, including fuel subsidies, exchange rate instability, and local government autonomy.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other political leaders also commended Tinubu’s resilience and governance approach, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most audacious presidents.
The event, attended by top government officials, lawmakers, governors, diplomats, and religious leaders, featured prayers for the President and the nation.
