President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he once considered withdrawing from the 2023 presidential race due to economic uncertainties in the country at the time.
Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honour at the State House, Abuja, on Saturday night, Tinubu recounted how a close relative questioned his decision to run for office during the campaign period.
He narrated, “During the campaigns, one of my relatives came to my living room at about 3:30 a.m., asking for N50,000 to buy foodstuffs for our uncle. He blamed me for the scarcity of cash, saying, ‘People are jumping over bank counters because of you. Even our wealthy uncle doesn’t have N10,000 in cash. 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, while the messenger had kept the rest. At that moment, I almost abandoned my ambition, but thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me.”
Tinubu noted that assuming office amid economic turmoil required him to make tough decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.
“The hallmark of great leadership is making the right decisions at the right time. That day, I declared that the subsidy was gone. The next day, I was heavily criticized, but I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing for our nation’s future,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their goodwill messages as he marked his 73rd birthday.
Highlighting his commitment to meritocracy, Tinubu spoke about his decision to appoint Dr Bosun Tijani as Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy despite his past criticisms.
In response, Tijani shared his surprise at being chosen despite his activism, stating, “Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But he told me, ‘I have seen your records and activism. I am giving you the opportunity to serve your country.’ I expected a scolding, but instead, I experienced his magnanimity.”
Tinubu confirmed that selecting Tijani was a difficult decision as some close associates opposed it. “Some of my confidants read his past comments and warned me against it, but I saw his talent. Criticism does not mean he has nothing to offer. His past frustration may now drive him to contribute more to governance, and today, I am proud of him,” the President stated.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also recalled the heated debate over Tijani’s ministerial confirmation, where lawmakers hesitated due to his past remarks about the National Assembly.
“I told my colleagues, ‘Let us give this young man an opportunity and see what happens.’ Today, he is one of the best-performing ministers,” Akpabio said.
The gathering included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, Federal Executive Council members, National Assembly leaders, governors, diplomats, business leaders, and religious figures.
Special prayers were led by Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, for the President and the nation.
Vice President Shettima praised Tinubu’s bold leadership, saying history would remember him for tackling critical national challenges like fuel subsidies and forex instability.
“These were issues many leaders sidestepped, but Asiwaju confronted them. True leadership is not for those seeking comfort but for those ready to make tough choices,” Shettima remarked.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also commended Tinubu’s inclusive leadership, recalling how the President supported him in 2019 despite regional differences.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State lauded Tinubu’s decisive leadership, while childhood friend, Prof. Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, reminisced about their early years, attributing Tinubu’s presidency to divine providence.
“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation. May Allah continue to guide him as he works to save our country,” Amuwo prayed.