by Ola Williams-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition due to a moment of deep doubt, triggered by a conversation with a close relative.
Speaking during a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reflected on the intense challenges he faced during the campaign, including economic uncertainty and political opposition.
“The odds were against me,” he admitted. “During the campaigns, a close relative came to my house at around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle. He told me, ‘The currency crisis is because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Even our wealthy uncle doesn’t have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?'”
Despite the discouragement, Tinubu remained resolute. “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.'”
Tinubu later discovered that his uncle had only received N10,000 from the messenger. “At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who encouraged me.”
The President credited former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari for urging him to stay the course. “When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ”I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”
Tough Decisions in Office
President Tinubu acknowledged the economic turbulence upon assuming office and the necessity of making difficult choices, including the removal of fuel subsidies.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech—the removal of the fuel subsidy. A great leader must make the right decisions at the right time,” he explained.
“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was criticized and attacked in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”
Praise from Leaders and Allies
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the President’s courage. “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations—fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s leadership. “He is the most audacious president in Nigeria’s history. Under his watch, governors are receiving more allocations. If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not just an uncommon governor.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, highlighted Tinubu’s role in nurturing leaders. “For decades, he has taken a backseat to raise leaders. Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him.”
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma commended Tinubu’s decisive leadership. “Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and necessary decisions that averted national collapse and are now restoring hope and confidence.”
Recognition Beyond Nigeria
Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared his surprise appointment despite past activism. “Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve.'”
He also shared that a senior official at the World Bank recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
A Childhood Friend’s Reflection
Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reflected on their early years and how destiny shaped Tinubu’s journey. “Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has guided him to lead Nigeria.”
Amuwo emphasized the historical significance of Tinubu’s rise. “The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country.”
President Tinubu’s speech and the remarks from those in attendance underscored the gravity of his leadership journey and the high expectations tied to his administration.
