President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he nearly abandoned his presidential bid during the 2023 election campaign due to doubts and challenges, particularly from those closest to him.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa to mark his 73rd birthday, the President recounted a moment of uncertainty when a relative confronted him about the hardships people were facing during the election period.
“During the campaigns, one of my close relatives came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuffs 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?’”
Despite the pressure, Tinubu remained resolute. “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.’”
However, what happened next left Tinubu even more stunned. His uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that the messenger had only given him N10,000, keeping the rest.
The incident, he admitted, made him briefly question his decision to run. “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.’”
The President acknowledged that his journey to leadership was filled with obstacles, but he remained committed to his vision for Nigeria. He also reaffirmed his determination to make bold decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies, to set the country on a path to long-term economic stability.
His revelation was met with praise from Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other dignitaries, who lauded his resilience and leadership in navigating Nigeria through its challenges.
