In a candid revelation during a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa, President Bola Tinubu disclosed that he nearly withdrew from the 2023 presidential race amid daunting odds. The revelation, made on Saturday night, shed light on a moment of personal crisis during the campaign that nearly changed the course of his political destiny.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga early Sunday morning, the thought of quitting came after an emotionally charged encounter with a close relative. “During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff 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?’” Tinubu recalled. In response, he insisted, “I am running for President, not for you and our uncle,” and handed over the money. As the relative departed, he remarked, “I don’t think you will make it,” prompting Tinubu to vow, “I will make it.”
The president credited then-Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, with persuading him to stay in the race. “When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back,’” he said, acknowledging the crucial support from Masari and others who believed in his potential to lead Nigeria.
Speaking at the Iftar, President Tinubu also took the opportunity to thank guests for their prayers and contributions to national development as he marked his 73rd birthday. Among those in attendance were the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima; members of the Federal Executive Council; current and former governors; diplomats; business leaders; religious figures; and childhood friends.
Reflecting on the challenges of leadership, Tinubu recalled having to make immediate and difficult decisions on the day of his inauguration, including the removal of the fuel subsidy. “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time,” he asserted, noting that despite the subsequent media backlash, his decision was necessary for Nigeria’s future.
Tributes to the president’s leadership abounded at the event. Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded his willingness to confront tough issues, saying that future presidents would benefit from the bold steps he took to address longstanding national challenges. Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Tinubu as “the most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history, while Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu credited him with breaking barriers and uplifting future leaders. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also commended Tinubu’s decisive actions that restored stability and hope across the federation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijjani shared his personal experience of being appointed by Tinubu despite a background in activism, underscoring the president’s commitment to giving opportunities to those with potential.
A childhood friend, Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, reminisced about their early days and attributed Tinubu’s rise to divine providence, expressing his hope that the president would continue to guide Nigeria toward national greatness.
As President Tinubu celebrates his birthday, his revelations about nearly withdrawing from the 2023 race underscore the personal and political challenges he has overcome. His determination, bolstered by the support of key allies like Aminu Masari, has not only shaped his political journey but also set the tone for his presidency as he navigates Nigeria’s complex challenges with resolve and vision.
