Buhari with Tinubu
“I Almost Quit the Race” – Tinubu Reveals 2023 Election Doubts at Presidential Iftar
President Bola Tinubu disclosed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential bid after a discouraging encounter with a relative during the campaign.
The revelation came during a special Iftar dinner held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night.
Recounting the incident, Tinubu said a family member visited him at 3:30 a.m., demanding N50,000 for groceries and blaming his policies for cash scarcity. “He told me, ‘People are jumping bank counters because there’s no money. What are you running for?'” the President recalled. Though shaken, Tinubu persisted, crediting allies like former Katsina Governor Aminu Masari for reinforcing his resolve.
Reflecting on his presidency, Tinubu defended his contentious decision to scrap fuel subsidies on inauguration day. “I was vilified, but it was necessary,” he stated, emphasizing that true leadership requires tough choices.
Vice President Kashim Shettima hailed Tinubu as the leader who confronted long-avoided national crises. “Future presidents won’t face the same ghosts—fuel subsidy fraud, forex instability, or LG autonomy suppression—because Asiwaju took the bullets,” Shettima declared.
Other dignitaries amplified the praise:
– Senate President Godswill Akpabio dubbed Tinubu “Nigeria’s most audacious leader” for innovative governance.
– Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu highlighted Tinubu’s cross-tribal leadership, recalling his 2019 support despite regional differences.
– Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma applauded the President’s crisis management, crediting him with restoring national confidence.
Personal tributes emerged too. Communications Minister Bosun Tijjani shared how Tinubu appointed him despite their never having met, while childhood friend Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo traced divine providence in the President’s journey from Lagos playgrounds to Chicago classrooms and ultimately Aso Rock.
The gathering doubled as a birthday celebration, with attendees honoring Tinubu’s 73rd year and his Ramadan reflections on faith, service, and resilience.
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