President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly withdrew from the 2023 presidential race due to doubts during the campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar in his honor at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Saturday night, Tinubu shared a personal moment of vulnerability: “I almost dropped the idea of running for President,” he confessed.
Tinubu recounted a conversation with a close relative who questioned his resolve during the intense campaign period, saying, “What are you running for? The currency is gone because of you, people are jumping over bank counters. What are you running for?” Despite the discouragement, Tinubu remained firm, telling his relative, “I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.”
Reflecting on the difficult choices he faced during his presidency, Tinubu explained the pressure of taking swift, bold actions, including the controversial fuel subsidy removal on his inauguration day.
“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the media backlash but reaffirming that the decision was vital for Nigeria’s future.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s leadership, calling his actions transformative for future Nigerian administrations. “Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it,” Shettima noted.
Despite the struggles, Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from his political allies, including Governor Aminu Masari and others who encouraged him to persevere. “I will make it,” Tinubu boldly declared at a crucial moment of doubt.
The event, attended by key figures including Vice President Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and various government officials, was a moment of reflection and appreciation as Tinubu celebrated his 73rd birthday.
