President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he almost stepped away from the presidential race but was convinced to stay by Aminu Masari and a few others.

Speaking at a special Iftar at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu shared how a late-night conversation with a relative made him question his decision to run. His spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, released a statement detailing the moment.

Recalling the incident, Tinubu said a family member visited him around 3:30 a.m., asking for N50,000 to buy food. The relative blamed him for the currency crisis at the time, saying people were struggling to get cash, even a wealthy uncle of theirs couldn’t find N10,000. The man then questioned why Tinubu was still in the race, hinting that he had no chance of winning.

Despite the doubt, Tinubu handed over the money and confidently told him he would succeed. However, the encounter made him briefly consider quitting. He credited Aminu Masari and others for pushing him forward, with Masari reminding him of the support he had and urging him not to look back.

Tinubu acknowledged the tough economic challenges he faced upon taking office and the difficult decisions he had to make, including the removal of fuel subsidies. He revealed that the subsidy removal wasn’t part of his original inauguration speech but was a decision he had to make immediately.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has publicly denounced attempts to associate his name with political gatherings and narratives linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi emphasized his commitment to integrity and issue-based politics, distancing himself from toxic political practices and manipulations.

Obi’s remarks come in the wake of reports circulating on social media that mentioned his name during an APC event. He categorically stated, “I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.”

Reaffirming his political allegiance, Obi clarified, “I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member.” He underscored his belief that political parties should evaluate aspirants based on competence, capacity, and compassion—qualities he deems essential for building a better Anambra and Nigeria.

Addressing the political trajectory of Valentine Ozigbo, Obi maintained that all aspirants, including Ozigbo, should be assessed on key leadership qualities within their respective parties.

Also, he expressed hope that elections and primaries would focus on credibility and vision, rather than descending into personal attacks or toxic narratives.

Valentine Ozigbo, a notable figure in Anambra politics, has recently made headlines for his political realignments. After contesting the 2021 Anambra governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently supporting Peter Obi’s presidential bid with the Labour Party in 2023, Ozigbo resigned from the Labour Party and joined the APC in February 2025. He cited his commitment to progressive governance and the desire to work alongside forward-thinking leaders as motivations for his defection.

Additionally, Obi emphasized the importance of fair and credible primaries, advocating for democratic processes that allow every legitimate party member a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail. As the Anambra State governorship election approaches in November, he called on all political parties to ensure transparency and uphold justice throughout the electoral process.

Paul Ibe, the media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied reports claiming that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, provided Atiku with funds allegedly belonging to Lagos State.i

Ibe described the accusation as completely false and a politically motivated attempt to damage Atiku’s reputation while serving the interests of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Ibe, the real aim behind the allegation is to tarnish Sanwo-Olu’s image and undermine the coalition that opposition leaders, including Atiku, are working to build.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Thursday, Ibe warned that the smear campaign against Atiku must stop immediately.

He stated, “We at the Atiku Media Office have seen reports suggesting that Governor Sanwo-Olu, through Ms. Aisha Achimugu, gave Atiku funds allegedly tied to Lagos State. It’s also being reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the matter.

“Let it be clear — this is a baseless and politically driven lie designed to serve Tinubu’s interests. Their plan is simple: take down Sanwo-Olu and weaken the opposition coalition led by Atiku.

“This politically motivated attack on Atiku’s integrity needs to stop immediately.”