I Nearly Quit 2023 Presidential Race – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians for their encouragement, supplications, and kindness as he celebrated his 73rd birthday.

Addressing attendees at a special Iftar organized in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday evening, Tinubu recognized the arduous journey to the presidency and reiterated his dedication to Nigeria’s advancement.

Looking back on his political path, the President reminisced about a moment during the 2023 election campaign when he momentarily contemplated stepping away from the contest following a discussion with a near relative.

“Those close to me understand that the chances were stacked against me. During the campaigns, one of them entered my living room around 3:30 a.m. and mentioned he required just N50,000 to purchase provisions for our uncle,” Tinubu recounted.

“He informed me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are leaping over bank counters since there’s no cash available. Our uncle, a prosperous individual, doesn’t even possess N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’”

“I responded to him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I handed him the N50,000. As he departed, he glanced back at me and remarked, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I countered, ‘I will make it.’”

The President disclosed that his uncle subsequently verified receiving the funds but revealed that the courier had delivered only N10,000 to him, pocketing the remainder.

“At that instant, I nearly abandoned the notion of pursuing the presidency. But gratitude goes to Aminu Masari and all of you who uplifted me. When I arrived in Abuja, Masari assured me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back,’” Tinubu elaborated.

President Tinubu underscored the economic difficulties he encountered upon taking office, stressing his resolve to eliminate the fuel subsidy on the day of his swearing-in.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to settle on something not initially included in my address, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he explained.

“The distinguishing trait of an exceptional leader is the capacity to make the correct choice at the appropriate moment. That was the day I proclaimed that the subsidy was gone. The next day, I was relentlessly criticized and heavily berated in the media.

But I remained resolute, confident it was the proper step for our country’s future,” Tinubu concluded.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli