President Bola Tinubu has reflected on the political and legal hurdles he faced on his path to becoming Nigeria’s president.
He made the remarks on Friday while hosting members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at his residence in Lagos.
Speaking to the governors, Tinubu recalled the difficulties encountered during his presidential ambition and expressed gratitude to those who remained loyal throughout the journey.
“I have heard the remarks; the joy is in the heart. And the fact that we pushed together at the time I faced the challenges of trying to become the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
“It was very challenging. It was tough for those who were at the party with me. Some kept faith, and instead of dodging the bullets, I took it. I took the punch in the chin, a very hard one.”
The president said he remained focused on his goal despite the obstacles and chose to keep much of his campaign strategy private.
“I stayed the course in the efforts to campaign. I didn’t disclose to anybody what I would do. Many of you took the risks and went along because of the party platform and everything,” he said.
“We survived. We faced litigations and accusations. We survived it. Instead of bankruptcy, Nigeria has survived. The economy has recovered. It’s growing. Agriculture is booming. Food is here.”
Tinubu also commended the governors for standing by his administration and helping to maintain public confidence during the implementation of economic reforms.
“Many of you have survived and promoted the perseverance of many of our people, asking them to trust in this government, and you built that trust around my leadership. I thank you very much,” he said.
The president further argued that the country’s economic situation had improved, noting that states no longer depend on federal intervention funds to meet salary obligations.
“I am glad that out of the 27 governors borrowing from the federal government, asking for interventions and all whatnot to survive and to pay salaries, that is no more,” he said.
“You kept the spirit, hope and you persuaded our people to endure these three years of painful reforms when we put the economy on reset. Today, the benefit is showing. The economy has recovered. Micro-economic indices are doing very well.”
Tinubu marked the third anniversary of his administration on Friday. He assumed office on May 29, 2023, succeeding former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In his Democracy Day message, the president praised Nigerians for their resilience and sacrifices amid the economic reforms introduced by his administration over the last three years.