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I nearly withdrew from 2023 presidential race -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that he nearly abandoned his 2023 presidential ambition following a moment of doubt during the election campaign.
“I almost dropped the idea of running for President,” Tinubu revealed on Saturday night at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he also thanked Nigerians for their overwhelming goodwill and prayers on his 73rd birthday.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the excerpts of the President’s dpeech in a statement signed in the early hours of Sunday titled ‘President Tinubu appreciates Nigerians for birthday well wishes, reveals he nearly quit 2023 presidential race.’
Reflecting on the pressures he faced, the President recounted how a close relative visited him in the middle of the night and questioned his resolve.
“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns. One 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?’
“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.’”
Tinubu added, “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.
”In his address, the President recognised the difficulties encountered along the path to the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s progress.
Tinubu also noted that he assumed office during a period of economic challenges and had to make swift decisions, including scrapping the fuel subsidy on his inauguration day.
“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal.
“The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time. That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone.
“The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future,” said Tinubu.
Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s leadership style, saying his decisions have tackled issues that haunted previous administrations.
He said, “Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.
“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.
“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face. But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort.
It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices.
”Senate President Godswill Akpabio applauded the President’s “relentless passion for national development” and described him as the “most audacious president” in Nigeria’s history.
“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he remarked, adding that under Tinubu’s watch, governors receive more allocation.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also commended the President for supporting him politically in 2019, even though they were from different regions.
“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment.
Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” said Kalu.
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State praised Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” amid national uncertainties, stating that only a leader with “deep conviction and love for the country” could take the necessary but often difficult steps.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijjani, who spoke on behalf of cabinet members, recounted his appointment under the President despite prior activism.
He added that a senior World Bank official had recently described Tinubu as “the best reformist leader in Africa today.
”One of the President’s childhood friends, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, recalled their early years, attributing Tinubu’s rise to divine providence.
Amuwo said, “Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children. While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak.
“Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.
“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth. I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country.
”For his 73rd birthday, Tinubu thanked guests and supporters who have stood by him through periods of doubt and adversity, reaffirming his resolve to steer Nigeria toward stability and growth.
Saturday night’s event was attended by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife, Nana; members of the Federal Executive Council; principal officers of the National Assembly; current and former governors; diplomats; business leaders; religious figures; and several of the President’s childhood friends.
The Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Sholagberu, led prayers seeking divine guidance for the President and the nation.
News
Governor Soludo Mourns Pope Francis, consoles Catholic Faithful

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, who departed peacefully on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
In his condolence message, Governor Soludo extends his solemn condolences to the Catholic Church in Anambra State, Nigeria, the Vatican, and the global Christian community.
He said the loss of Pope Francis, a globally respected icon of faith, humility, and compassion, has indeed grieved the hearts of Catholics and all humanity as his lifelong dedication to championing the cause of the poor, fostering interfaith unity, and advocating for peace and justice has left the world a better place.
Governor Soludo further remarked that “Pope Francis was a shepherd whose legacy transcended borders” .
“His teachings on love, mercy, and solidarity touched base with the people of Anambra, inspiring the government to build a society rooted in dignity and hope” .
“Indeed, the Holy Father’s passing on Easter Monday, a day symbolising Christ’s triumph over death, is deeply instructive and a reflection on the enduring power of resurrection and hope” .
Governor Soludo however stands in solidarity with the global Catholic community during this period of mourning, celebrating a life extraordinarily lived in service to God and humanity, and praying for the soul of Pope Francis to find repose in the comforting grace of the Almighty God.
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BREAKING: Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff passed away on Easter Monday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City.
Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.
Farrel said the Pope died at exactly 7.35am.
His death comes hours after he greeted Catholic faithful who were at the Vatican on Sunday for the Easter mass.
The announcement by Cardinal Farrel read, “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.
”It would be recalled that Pope has been undergoing recovery after he was discharged from the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.
After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.
The Pope was admitted on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.
Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.
In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.
As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.
In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass, which has yet to be announced.
The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.
The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.
According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.
“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”
News
JUST IN: Senate shifts resumption to May 6

The leadership of the 10th Senate has announced a shift in the date of its resumption.
The earlier date for resumption was fixed for April 29, 2025.
However, the new date has been adjusted to May 6.
The announcement was contained in an internal memo dated April 20, 2025, addressed to all senators and signed by the Senate Clerk, Andrew Ogbonna Nwoba.
The postponement was hinged on the International Workers’ Day public holiday, which is celebrated on May 1 and for the lawmakers to take their time to attend to key constituency engagements.
The circular reads, “Distinguished Senators, I am directed to inform you that the resumption of plenary sittings of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Monday, 29th April 2025, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, 6th May 2025.
“This postponement is made to allow Distinguished Senators to stay with their constituents during the International Workers’ Day public holiday in the first week of May and to further enhance constituency engagements.
“Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to take note of this postponement while regretting any inconvenience the change might have caused.”
Recall that the Senate had on March 27 adjourned the plenary to allow lawmakers to observe the Easter and Eid-El-Fitr holidays.
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