President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he nearly dropped out of the 2023 presidential race but was persuaded to continue by his former placeholder, Aminu Masari, and a few other close associates.
Speaking at a special Iftar dinner held in his honor at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday night, Tinubu recalled how a relative’s late-night visit shook his confidence but ultimately strengthened his resolve to press forward.
The president shared his personal account of the challenging path to the presidency, acknowledging the tough decisions he had to make upon assuming office, including the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy.
His revelations were contained in a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu’s Moment of Doubt: “I Almost Dropped Out”
President Tinubu opened up about a particular incident during his campaign that made him second-guess his ambition.
According to him, a relative visited his home at 3:30 a.m. with a dire plea for financial assistance.
“During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 am and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle,” Tinubu recounted.
The visitor blamed Tinubu for the cash scarcity crisis caused by the naira redesign policy at the time, adding that even wealthy individuals were struggling to access cash.
“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?’
Tinubu admitted that the words hit him hard, making him momentarily reconsider his bid for the presidency.
“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000, but as he walked out, he turned and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’”
The encounter left a lasting impact on Tinubu, almost convincing him to abandon his ambition.
However, he credited Aminu Masari and other close allies for reigniting his confidence and pushing him to stay in the race.
“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.’”
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Overcoming the Odds: A Tough Journey to the Presidency
Tinubu acknowledged that his road to the presidency was not easy, stating that he faced many obstacles and challenges along the way.
From the intense political battles within his party to the economic turbulence that rocked Nigeria, his determination was put to the test numerous times.
However, he noted that the support from key allies and loyalists helped him push through the difficulties and remain focused on his goal.
Tough Decisions: Fuel Subsidy Removal Was Unplanned
Upon assuming office, Tinubu said he immediately had to make difficult decisions, including the controversial fuel subsidy removal.
He admitted that the announcement was not part of his original inauguration speech, but he felt it was necessary for the country’s economic survival.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.”
The move sparked nationwide debates, with some Nigerians supporting the decision as a bold economic reform, while others criticized the policy for its immediate impact on the cost of living.
Despite the backlash, Tinubu maintained that the removal of the subsidy was essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic recovery.
Masari’s Role: A Key Supporter in Tinubu’s Journey
Former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, who served as Tinubu’s placeholder running mate before Kashim Shettima was selected, played a pivotal role in boosting Tinubu’s morale during the campaign period.
As one of the key figures in Tinubu’s North-West political strategy, Masari ensured that the region remained strongly aligned with Tinubu’s ambition.
By urging Tinubu to “not look back”, Masari played an instrumental role in helping him stay the course despite the challenges.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Resilience and Determination
Tinubu’s revelation sheds light on the personal struggles and self-doubt he faced on his journey to the presidency.
Despite the numerous obstacles, including political opposition, economic uncertainty, and personal doubts, he ultimately persevered, thanks to the support of loyal allies like Aminu Masari.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of economic reforms and governance, Tinubu’s story of resilience serves as a reminder that leadership requires determination, courage, and the ability to make tough decisions.
His presidency continues to be marked by bold reforms, with fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and economic restructuring at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.
As the journey unfolds, only time will tell how history will judge his leadership.
