Tinubu reveals he almost abandoned 2023 presidential ambition due to economic challenges

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that he nearly gave up his bid for the 2023 presidency due to the severe economic hardships affecting Nigerians at the time.

Speaking at a special Iftar event held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, Tinubu shared a moment of deep reflection when a close relative’s plea for financial assistance made him reconsider his decision to contest for the highest office in the land.

According to the President, the economic difficulties facing the country at the time weighed heavily on his mind, making him question whether pursuing the presidency was the right choice.

“During the campaigns, around 3:30 a.m., a relative came to my living room and said he needed N50,000 to buy food for our uncle. He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters due to the cash crunch. Even our wealthy uncle doesn’t have N10,000. What are you running for?'” Tinubu said.

Despite the discouragement, Tinubu said he remained resolute.

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the money. But as he walked out, he turned back and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.'”

The President further revealed that the same uncle later called to confirm receiving only N10,000 of the money, as the relative had kept the rest.

“At that moment, I almost reconsidered my decision to run. But thanks to Aminu Masari and others who stood by me. Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back,'” Tinubu recounted.

Reflecting on his tenure so far, Tinubu noted that he inherited a challenging economic landscape, which necessitated bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to make a decision that was not originally in my speech—the removal of the fuel subsidy,” he said. “Nigeria had reached a point of no return, and as a leader, I knew the right decision had to be made.”

Acknowledging the backlash that followed, Tinubu remained firm.

“The next day, I was heavily criticized in the media. But leadership requires making difficult choices for the future of the nation,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Tinubu’s courage, stating that history would remember him for tackling longstanding national challenges.

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with issues like fraudulent fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and local government autonomy suppression,” Shettima said. “Unlike past leaders who sidestepped these challenges, Asiwaju chose to confront them head-on.”

On his part , Professor Shaffideen Adeniyi Amuwo, a childhood friend of Tinubu, reflected on their early years and the President’s journey to leadership.

“We played soccer together as children. While I chose academics, he pursued politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has guided him to lead Nigeria, and I pray for his continued wisdom,” Amuwo said.