I Almost withdrew from 2023 presidential race -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu Reflects on Election Challenges and Commitment to Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu disclosed on Saturday that he nearly abandoned his ambition to run for president during the 2023 election campaign due to moments of uncertainty. Speaking at a special Iftar held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support as he celebrated his 73rd birthday.

In a statement released early Sunday, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, shared excerpts from the President’s remarks. During his address, Tinubu recounted the pressures he faced, including a poignant moment when a close relative visited him in the early hours to express doubt about his candidacy.

“People close to me understood the challenges I was up against. One relative came over at 3:30 a.m., seeking N50,000 for food, lamenting the cash shortages and asking what I was running for,” Tinubu recalled. “I responded, ‘I’m running for President, not for you and our uncle,’ handing him the money despite his pessimism about my chances.”

The President admitted that this encounter nearly discouraged him from his aspirations. However, he credited his perseverance to encouragement from allies like Aminu Masari, who reminded him, “I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”

In his speech, Tinubu acknowledged the significant hurdles faced on his journey to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development. He also mentioned the swift decisions he had to make after assuming office during a period of economic turmoil, particularly the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.

“On the day I was sworn in, I faced the necessity of making unexpected decisions, including the removal of the fuel subsidy,” he stated. “A true leader must be able to make timely and correct choices, regardless of public opinion. The next day, I faced intense criticism from the media, but I stood firm, knowing it was essential for the future of our nation.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting how his decisive actions have addressed challenges that plagued previous administrations, such as the fraud-ridden fuel subsidies and an unstable foreign exchange market.

“Thanks to his bravery, future leaders won’t have to grapple with the same issues that haunted their predecessors,” Shettima said. “Asiwaju has tackled the hardest challenges head-on, displaying that true leadership is not about comfort but about making difficult choices for national advancement.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu as the “most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history, asserting that his transformative policies have positively impacted state allocations. Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, acknowledged Tinubu’s support during his own political difficulties in 2019, emphasizing the importance of transcending regional divides.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended Tinubu’s decisive leadership amid national uncertainties, while Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, reflected on his appointment, which came despite his prior activism. Notably, a senior World Bank official recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”

Tinubu’s childhood friend, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, reminisced about their youth, attributing the President’s success to divine guidance and emphasizing the importance of education and resolve in his journey.

In closing, President Tinubu expressed heartfelt thanks to all guests and supporters who have remained steadfast during his moments of doubt, reaffirming his dedication to guiding Nigeria towards stability and prosperity. The birthday celebration included notable attendees such as First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly leaders, diplomats, business figures, and religious leaders. The Imam of the National Mosque, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, led prayers for divine wisdom for both the President and the nation.