Behind The Scenes: Tinubu Discloses Why He Almost Walked Away From The 2023 Presidential Race

At a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday evening, President Tinubu thanked the guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to Nigeria’s development. This was disclosed in a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday night.

Reflecting on the challenges he encountered on his journey to the presidency, President Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the nation’s progress.

The event was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, key officers of the National Assembly, current and former governors, diplomats, business leaders, religious figures, and some of the President’s childhood friends.

Special prayers for divine guidance and continued progress for the President and the nation were led by Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, Imam of the National Mosque in Abuja.

President Tinubu also shared a moment of reflection on his political journey, recounting a time during the 2023 election campaign when he nearly considered withdrawing from the race after a conversation with a close relative. He recalled: “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. One night, a relative came to my living room around 3:30 a.m., asking for ₦50,000 to buy food for our uncle, saying, ‘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 ₦10,000 in cash. What are you running for?’”

He replied, “I’m running for President, not for you and our uncle.” After giving the relative the ₦50,000, the relative left, but turned back and said, “I don’t think you will make it.” To which the President responded, “I will make it.”

Tinubu later discovered that his uncle had only received ₦10,000, keeping the rest. He admitted that in that moment, he almost abandoned his presidential ambition, but was encouraged by figures like Aminu Masari, who told him, “Don’t look back.”

The President also reflected on the difficult decisions he had to make upon assuming office, including the removal of the fuel subsidy during a time of economic uncertainty. He explained, “On the day of my inauguration, I had to make a decision not in my speech—removing the fuel subsidy. The following day, I was attacked in the media, but I stood firm because I knew it was the right decision for the future of Nigeria.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the President’s sacrifices, emphasizing that history would remember him as the leader who addressed the nation’s most complex challenges, including the fuel subsidy and forex instability. He praised President Tinubu for not avoiding difficult decisions and for having the courage to face challenges that past leaders avoided.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the President for his ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development, calling him the “most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history.