President Bola Tinubu has recounted how he almost gave up on his presidential race and how a close ally, Aminu Masari, encouraged him to remain in the race.
The President stated this at a special birthday Iftar organised to thank his close friends, as part of his 73rd birthday, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
He reflected on his political journey, recounting a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.
Onanuga said Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians, at the occasion for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.
“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me. When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.
“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even 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. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”
The President disclosed that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.
President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.
Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time.
“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”
The President also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.
