Tinubu Opens up: Why He Nearly Dropped Out of the 2023 Presidential Race

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.

At a special Iftar dinner held in his honor at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday night, the President thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development.

‘I Almost Gave Up on My Presidential Ambition’ – Tinubu

Reflecting on his journey to the presidency, Tinubu shared a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign, revealing that he almost withdrew from the race after an encounter with a relative.

“One of my relatives came to me at 3:30 a.m., saying he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle. He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are struggling for cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000. What are you running for?’”

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. But later, my uncle called to confirm receiving only N10,000—the messenger had kept the rest.”

“At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running. But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me, I continued.”

‘Fuel Subsidy Had to Go’

President Tinubu also addressed his controversial decision to remove fuel subsidies on his inauguration day, stating that it was a necessary move for the country’s economic stability.

“Leadership is about making the right decisions at the right time. Nigeria had reached a point of no return on fuel subsidy. That day, I declared, ‘The subsidy is gone.’ The next day, I was criticized, but I knew it was the right thing to do.”

Top Dignitaries Praise Tinubu’s Leadership

Several prominent figures at the event praised Tinubu’s bold leadership and sacrifices, highlighting his impact on Nigeria’s governance:

Vice President Kashim Shettima: “History will remember Tinubu as the leader who tackled Nigeria’s toughest challenges—fuel subsidy, forex instability, and local government autonomy. He did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio: “President Tinubu is the most audacious leader in Nigeria’s history. Under his watch, governors are getting more allocations. If I were a governor now, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’.”

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu: “Tinubu has broken barriers, uplifting future leaders and proving that politics should go beyond tribal sentiments.”

Governor Hope Uzodinma: “Only a leader with deep conviction could take the bold decisions Tinubu has made to restore Nigeria’s stability.”

Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijjani: “Despite my past activism, Tinubu appointed me. He said, ‘I have looked at your records, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve.’”

Tinubu’s Childhood Friend, Prof. Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo: “We played soccer together as kids. Today, Allah has guided him to lead Nigeria. May He continue to hold his hand.”

The event, attended by top government officials, business leaders, and diplomats, was marked by special prayers for Tinubu’s success in leading Nigeria towards progress.