President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the naira scarcity caused by the 2023 currency redesign policy nearly led him to withdraw from the presidential race. Speaking during a special Iftar at the presidential villa in Abuja, Tinubu recounted how a close relative expressed doubts about his candidacy due to the widespread cash shortage. The relative, struggling to obtain N50,000 for food, blamed Tinubu for the economic hardship, leading the president to momentarily reconsider his ambition. However, he ultimately remained resolute, thanks to the encouragement of key allies like Aminu Masari.
Tinubu also reflected on the difficult economic decisions he had to make upon assuming office, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. He stated that although the move was not originally part of his inauguration speech, he felt it was necessary to stabilize the country’s economy. Despite facing immediate public backlash, he defended his decision as a critical step toward Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.