Ezekiel Awojide, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has revealed how he almost quit the 2023 presidential race. He, however, said the former Governor of Katsina State, Bello Masari encouraged him not to quit. Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.At a special Iftar held in his honor at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night, President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development.The President, who acknowledged the challenges he faced on his path to the presidency, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative. He said, “Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, 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 said. “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?’ “I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it.’” “My uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping 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.’”
