President Bola Tinubu has shared how he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition and the role his ally, Aminu Masari, played in convincing him to stay in the race.
Speaking at a special birthday iftar with close associates on Saturday as part of his 73rd birthday celebration, Tinubu reflected on a critical moment of uncertainty during the campaign.
The statement was released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
He recalled a conversation with a relative that made him question his decision to run for office.
“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.
Tinubu described the difficulties he faced, including economic challenges that affected ordinary Nigerians during the campaign.
“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.’”
He later discovered that his uncle had received only N10,000, with the rest kept by the messenger.
Upon assuming office, Tinubu said he faced tough economic conditions that required immediate decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies.
“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.
Acknowledging the backlash that followed, he explained why he stood firm.
“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.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as someone who confronted Nigeria’s long-standing problems head-on.
“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.
“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.
“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” Shettima said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting his generosity and determination to develop the country.
Akpabio called him the “most audacious president” Nigeria has ever had and noted that state governments have benefited financially under his administration.
“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, described Tinubu as a leader who has nurtured others.
“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment. Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State also praised Tinubu’s decision-making during a period of national uncertainty.
“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and are now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, shared his experience of being appointed by Tinubu despite his past activism.
“Before my appointment, I had never met Mr. President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.
Tijjani also recalled a recent conversation at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.”
