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President Bola Tinubu shared that he nearly abandoned his presidential ambitions for 2023 due to a moment of uncertainty during the campaign.
Speaking at a special Iftar honoring him at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support and prayers on his 73rd birthday.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement highlighting the President’s remarks, titled 'President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.'
Reflecting on the pressures he faced, the President recounted an incident when a close relative visited him at 3:30 a.m., questioning his determination.
He shared, “People close to me were aware that the odds were stacked against me. A relative came to my house in the middle of the night, asking for N50,000 to buy food for our uncle.
He said, 'The currency is gone because of you. People are scrambling over bank counters due to the cash shortage.
Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’ I responded, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I handed him the N50,000, and before leaving, he remarked, ‘I don’t think you will succeed.’ I replied, ‘I will succeed.’”
Tinubu continued, “I was struck. That moment, I nearly abandoned my presidential aspirations. However, I am thankful to Aminu Masari and all of you who bolstered my spirit. When I got to Abuja, Masari encouraged me, saying, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.’”
During his address, the President acknowledged the challenges he faced on the path to the presidency and reiterated his dedication to Nigeria’s advancement.
He noted that he took office during a time of economic hardship and had to make swift decisions, including abolishing the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to make an unplanned decision regarding the fuel subsidy removal. A great leader must make the right choices at the right moments. That day, I announced that the subsidy was terminated. The subsequent day, I faced significant backlash in the media, but I persisted, knowing it was the right choice for our nation’s future,” Tinubu stated.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the President’s leadership, highlighting how his decisions have addressed issues that plagued previous administrations.
He remarked, “Thanks to his courage, future Nigerian presidents will not grapple with the same challenges as past leaders, such as fraudulent fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the undermining of local government autonomy.
These difficult issues had often been avoided, yet Asiwaju did not evade history; he took steps to change it. True leadership is not meant for those seeking comfort but rather for those who recognize that the road to national greatness requires difficult decisions.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the President’s “unwavering passion for national development,” labeling him as Nigeria’s “most audacious president.” He added that if he had been a governor during Tinubu’s tenure, he would have excelled in a "supernatural" capacity.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, expressed gratitude toward the President for his support during his political challenges in 2019, despite being from a different region.
Kalu remarked, “He supported me during my most challenging political phase in 2019, even though we come from different backgrounds. Nigeria requires leaders who transcend tribal affiliations, and he has exemplified that.” Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also lauded Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” during critical national times, asserting that only a leader with “deep conviction and love for the country” could make such difficult decisions.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, spoke on behalf of the cabinet, sharing his experience of being appointed by the President despite his background in activism.
He noted that a senior World Bank official referred to Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.” Additionally, one of the President’s childhood friends, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, reminisced about their early days together and attributed Tinubu’s success to divine guidance.
Amuwo stated, “Our friendship began in Chicago; we enjoyed soccer together as children. While I opted for academia, my brother directed his energy toward politics. Today, Allah has demonstrated His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.”
For his 73rd birthday, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the guests and supporters who stood by him through moments of uncertainty and hardship, reaffirming his commitment to guide Nigeria toward stability and growth.
The event was attended by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana; members of the Federal Executive Council; principal officers of the National Assembly; current and former governors; diplomats; business leaders; religious figures; and several of the President’s childhood friends. The Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, led prayers asking for divine guidance for both the President and the nation.
