President Bola Tinubu has said that he almost dropped the idea of running for president in 2023.
Speaking at a special Iftar held at the Presidential Villa to mark his 73rd birthday, the president said he faced a series of challenges on his path to the presidency.
He commended his guests, friends and well-wishers for their contribution to the growth and development of Nigeria.
According to him, he had a second thought about his presidential ambition after an encounter with one of his close relatives.
He said, “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaign, 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?'” he noted.
Tinubu further stated that he reminded his relative that he was running for the position of president.
He said he handed him the N50,000 he requested for his uncle and as he walked away he said to him, “I don’t think you will make it.”
The president said to this he replied, “I will make it.'”
He added that his uncle called to confirm that he received money and that he gave the bearer N10,000 out of it and kept the rest.
“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,” Tinubu said.
