Tinubu Reveals Painful Journey To Power, Says Presidency Came With Heavy Battles

He made the remarks on Friday in Lagos while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who paid him a Sallah visit at his residence.

The President expressed appreciation to governors who supported him from the early stages of his political journey, commending their loyalty and perseverance.

“Instead of dodging the bullet, I took it. I took a punch in the chin, a very hard one,” he said.

“We went through a lot during my bid to become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was very difficult, and those who stayed with me showed real commitment.

“I chose to contest, and I didn’t reveal my full plans to many people. Some of you took the risk and followed me because of the party platform and our shared belief,” he added.

In the same engagement, Tinubu also reiterated that the removal of fuel subsidy helped prevent Nigeria from economic collapse and placed the country on a recovery path.

He made the statement while hosting state governors who visited him in Lagos to mark Eid-el-Kabir and the third anniversary of his administration.

The meeting was attended by governors from several states, including Lagos, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba, Niger, Ekiti, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Adamawa, Benue, Enugu, Ogun, and Kogi, as well as deputy governors from Borno and Kano.

Tinubu acknowledged that the subsidy removal caused initial hardship but insisted it was necessary to stabilize national finances.

“It was difficult at the time, but we survived it. There were legal challenges and criticisms, but we overcame them. Nigeria avoided bankruptcy, and the economy is now recovering and growing,” he said.

He noted that ongoing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, foreign exchange, social investment, and fiscal policy are beginning to yield positive results and restore investor confidence.

The President also praised governors for supporting federal reforms and maintaining stability across the country, noting improved financial independence at the state level.

According to him, key economic indicators are improving, with ongoing road construction, rehabilitation of abandoned projects, and renewed activity in the housing and agricultural sectors.

Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve food security if its agricultural potential is fully harnessed, adding that his administration remains committed to reducing hardship, creating jobs, and driving sustainable economic growth.