“Tinubu Reveals Emotional Moment: ‘Why I Almost Ran Away’ from the Presidency”

President Bola Tinubu recently opened up about a pivotal moment during his 2023 presidential campaign when he nearly abandoned his ambition. Speaking at a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu recounted an encounter with a close relative that almost led him to quit the race. At around 3:30 a.m., the relative visited his home, requesting N50,000 to buy foodstuffs for an uncle. The relative expressed frustration over the currency scarcity and the hardships faced by Nigerians, suggesting that Tinubu reconsider his presidential bid. Despite the emotional plea, Tinubu remained resolute, providing the money and reaffirming his commitment to the presidential race. He credited his perseverance to the encouragement of allies like Aminu Masari.

Upon assuming office, President Tinubu faced significant economic challenges, including the need to remove the fuel subsidy. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as it led to increased fuel prices and public unrest. However, Tinubu justified the move, stating that the subsidy disproportionately benefited the wealthy and was unsustainable given the country’s financial constraints. He emphasized that the funds previously allocated to the subsidy would be redirected toward critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation.

In the early days of his presidency, Tinubu also took decisive actions to address governance issues. He suspended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. These moves were part of his broader strategy to combat corruption and implement economic reforms

Despite the initial challenges and moments of doubt, President Tinubu’s early actions have been characterized by bold decision-making aimed at steering Nigeria toward economic stability and growth. His willingness to confront difficult issues head-on reflects his commitment to fulfilling his presidential mandate and addressing the pressing needs of the nation.