President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared a personal experience from the 2023 election period, recalling how a wealthy relative struggled to access cash during the naira scarcity. Speaking at a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu reflected on the difficulties he faced while running for office.
He recounted a late-night conversation with a close relative who visited him at 3:30 a.m., requesting N50,000 to buy food for their uncle. The relative expressed frustration, blaming Tinubu for the naira shortage and noting that even their wealthy uncle did not have N10,000 in cash.
Tinubu responded firmly, saying he was running for president, not for personal reasons. After handing over the money, the relative doubted his chances of winning the election. “I don’t think you will make it,” the relative said. Tinubu, however, remained confident, replying, “I will make it.”
The president admitted that the challenges nearly made him reconsider his ambition. He noted that the encouragement from political allies, particularly Aminu Masari, played a key role in his decision to continue. Tinubu recalled Masari’s words of support when he arrived in Abuja: “I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back.”
Beyond the campaign struggles, Tinubu also addressed his decision to remove fuel subsidies on his first day in office. He stated that it was not initially part of his speech but was necessary for the country’s economic future.
“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time,” he said. Despite facing criticism and backlash in the media, he maintained that removing the subsidy was the best course of action for Nigeria.
