Tinubu Says His Road to Presidency Was Marked by Hardship and Unprecedented Challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reflected on the difficult circumstances that surrounded his journey to Nigeria’s presidency, describing his emergence as the nation’s leader as the product of perseverance, faith, and what he termed divine intervention. The President made the remarks on Friday while addressing members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s 15th NEC meeting held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Speaking before top party leaders, governors, and stakeholders, Tinubu recalled the political, economic, and social pressures that defined the period leading up to the 2023 general election. According to him, the campaign season coincided with one of the most turbulent moments in Nigeria’s recent history, marked by policies and conditions that placed severe strain on ordinary citizens and tested the nation’s resilience.

The President noted that Nigerians went to the polls amid widespread food shortages, fuel scarcity, and the controversial currency redesign policy that drastically reduced cash circulation across the country. These developments, he said, resulted in long queues at petrol stations, disruptions to daily economic activities, and deep personal hardship for millions of Nigerians.

Tinubu acknowledged that many citizens struggled to meet basic needs during the period, with some reportedly unable to afford a single meal in a day. He stressed that these challenges were not minor inconveniences but major obstacles that compounded the difficulty of the election season.

“I faced obstacles on my path to the presidency,” Tinubu told party leaders, adding that the situation was further complicated by what he described as chaos triggered by policy implementation and economic dislocation.

Recalling the period more vividly, the President cited fuel queues, cash scarcity, and heightened public anxiety as defining features of the time. He suggested that the circumstances surrounding the election were unlike any Nigeria had previously experienced, describing them as severe enough to threaten social stability.

“There was a wildfire, currency redesign chaos, and endless queues at filling stations. People died from hunger due to cash scarcity, all for one election,” Tinubu said, while referencing the experiences of Nigerians during the buildup to the polls.

Despite these difficulties, the President attributed his eventual victory to divine will, stating that his emergence as president was not merely a political outcome but one guided by God. He said certain individuals within the APC leadership were fully aware of the obstacles he encountered along the way, yet the journey ultimately culminated in success.

“God brought us here. Without Him, I wouldn’t be here,” he said, emphasizing faith and gratitude as essential virtues for leaders and citizens alike.

Beyond recounting his personal political experience, Tinubu used the occasion to call for unity, resilience, and tolerance within Nigeria’s democratic system. He warned that democracy must be actively protected and nurtured, urging party leaders and citizens not to allow internal divisions or political bitterness to weaken the nation’s democratic foundations.

“We must continue to be resolute that this democracy we have taken into our hands must not fail,” the President said, stressing the responsibility shared by leaders and the governed.

Tinubu also spoke on the nature of leadership, arguing that governance requires accommodation and inclusiveness rather than force or domination. He cautioned against imposing authority without empathy, noting that leadership should involve creating space for others, even in times of disagreement or hardship.

Using a metaphor to underline his point, the President encouraged Nigerians to show compassion to one another, describing mutual support as a vital pillar of social cohesion and national strength.

He further reiterated his belief that leadership is ultimately determined by God, suggesting that political ambition alone cannot guarantee success without divine approval.

“God creates the opportunity for individuals, and if God says you will be there, you will be there,” Tinubu concluded.

The remarks have since generated wide public reactions, reflecting Nigeria’s deeply polarized political environment. While supporters view his comments as a testimony of resilience under pressure, critics argue that the hardships referenced continue to affect Nigerians under his administration. The speech, however, underscores the President’s effort to frame his political journey within a broader narrative of struggle, faith, and democratic responsibility as his government continues to confront economic and social challenges nationwide.