‘I Almost Gave Up’ – Tinubu on 2023 Election Struggles
President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he almost abandoned his presidential bid during the 2023 election campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the guests for their prayers, presence, and contributions to national development. He also thanked Nigerians for their goodwill as he marked his 73rd birthday.
Reflecting on his political journey, Tinubu recalled a moment of doubt when a close relative visited him in the early hours of the morning, requesting N50,000 to buy food. The relative lamented the hardship caused by the currency redesign policy, questioning why Tinubu was still in the race.
“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 recounted.
He later discovered that his uncle had only received N10,000, with the messenger keeping the rest. This revelation almost made him reconsider his candidacy. However, encouragement from political allies, including Aminu Masari, strengthened his resolve.
Upon assuming office, Tinubu faced significant economic challenges, making decisive policy moves, including the removal of the fuel subsidy. He recounted how, on his inauguration day, he made a last-minute decision to announce the subsidy’s removal, believing it was necessary for Nigeria’s 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 criticized in the media. But I stood firm,” he said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s leadership, stating that his bold decisions have tackled long-standing governance issues, such as fuel subsidy fraud and local government autonomy.
“These were challenges that past leaders avoided. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it,” Shettima remarked.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s resilience, describing him as the most audacious president in Nigeria’s history. He noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, state governors were receiving higher allocations, which would have made him an even more influential governor had he served under this administration.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, highlighted Tinubu’s role in mentoring political leaders across Nigeria, emphasizing his commitment to merit over tribal considerations.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended Tinubu’s decisive leadership, stating that his difficult but necessary decisions were restoring confidence in the nation’s governance.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, shared his experience of being appointed despite his past activism against the government. He recalled a senior World Bank official describing Tinubu as Africa’s best reformist leader today.
Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria towards progress.
NAN
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