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.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, celebrates her husband and president of Nigeria, Booa Ahmed Tinubu.

The First Lady writes down a heartfelt message and expresses gratitude as she celebrates Tinubu’s 73rd birthday.

She praises his leadership and the works he has done, she highlights what he has established as the President of Nigeria.

“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life, over the years. I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today. May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace, and prosperity. Happy Birthday, Mr. President… My Knight in Shining Armor.”

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.”