Why Tinubu Nearly Stepped Away from the 2023 Presidential Race

As he celebrated his 73rd birthday, President Bola Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their tremendous outpouring of prayers and goodwill.

President Tinubu praised attendees for their attendance, prayers, and contributions to the advancement of the country during a special Iftar hosted in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night.

President Tinubu reiterated his dedication to furthering Nigeria's advancement while acknowledging the difficulties he encountered during his ascent to the president.

Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife Nana Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly's principal officers, former and present governors, diplomats, business executives, religious leaders, and some of the president's childhood pals were among those present.

Special prayers were led by Abdulkadir Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja, who prayed for the President and the country's sustained progress and divine guidance.

When President Tinubu reflected on his political career, he recalled a period of uncertainty during the 2023 campaign when he considered dropping out of the race following a meeting with a close relative.

"My loved ones are aware that I had a difficult time. Around 3:30 a.m. during the campaigns, one of them came to my living room and said he only needed N50,000 to buy food for our uncle.

"The money is gone because of you," he informed me. Because there is no cash, people are hopping over bank counters. Despite his wealth, our uncle does not even have N10,000 in cash. For what reason are you running?

"I told him that I wasn't running for you or our uncle, but for president." I handed over the N50,000 to him. "I don't think you will make it," he murmured to me as he turned to go. "I will make it," I said.

According to the President, his uncle later called to confirm that he had received the money, but he acknowledged that he had only handed the messenger N10,000 and kept the remaining amount.

"I was astounded. I nearly gave up on the idea of running for president at that point. However, I am grateful to Aminu Masari and all of you who supported me. "I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don't look back," Masari informed me when I arrived in Abuja.

President Tinubu stated that he had to make quick, tough choices, such as eliminating the fuel subsidy, because he came into office at an unstable economic period.

"The removal of fuel subsidies was something I had to decide on on the day of my inauguration that was not initially in my speech," he stated.

The President stated that Nigeria has reached a point where there was no turning back on the matter.

"The ability to make the right choice at the right moment is the hallmark of a great leader." I announced the end of the subsidies on that day. I was harassed and severely mistreated by the media the next day. However, I remained steadfast because I knew it was the best course of action for the future of our country," he stated.

The president's sacrifices were praised by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who said that history would remember him as the leader who faced the most difficult problems facing the country.

Future Nigerian presidents won't have to deal with the same issues that plagued previous governments because of his audacity, such as fuel subsidies riddled with fraud, a volatile foreign exchange market, and the repression of local government authority.

Many others before him avoided these difficult topics. However, Asiwaju came to change history rather than avoid it.

Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many others before him lacked the bravery to confront by rewriting it. The problem with great leadership, however, is that it is not for people looking for ease.

He remarked, "It is for those who realize that the road to national greatness is paved with tough decisions."

Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, commended President Tinubu for his capacity for forgiveness and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of the country.

According to Mr. Akpabio, the president is the "most audacious president" in the history of the nation and a leader who thinks creatively.

He said that governors are receiving greater funding under Mr. Tinubu's leadership.

He declared, "I would have been a'supernatural governor' and not an uncommon governor if I had served as governor under your administration."

Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, praised President Tinubu as a leader who has elevated upcoming Nigerian leaders and torn down boundaries.