These comments were made during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, which was headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at his home in Lagos, where he emphasized the sacrifices and pressures that were part of his ascent.
He conveyed that the journey to the presidency was challenging, requiring significant resilience to withstand criticism, internal party conflicts, and outside political assaults.
He noted that the campaign phase was filled with unpredictability and personal threats for both him and his close supporters.
He stated that followers and party members faced considerable pressure while staying dedicated to their cause.
Tinubu pointed out that the competition required carefulness and strategic planning, as he purposely kept much of his campaign strategy confidential, depending on loyal supporters who remained at his side throughout the journey.
The president mentioned that he revealed little about his approach, even to many of his closest allies.
In spite of this lack of transparency, numerous party members remained loyal and continued their support, placing their trust in the political foundation and overall direction of the party during the electoral battle in Nigeria.
Tinubu also recognized that his rise was accompanied by various legal cases and accusations, which he said were ultimately resolved.
Despite these challenges, he asserted that his team remained focused and was able to overcome the political and legal obstacles in the end.
Regarding governance, he praised state governors for backing his administration and facilitating ongoing reforms.
He stated that Nigeria is starting to display initial signs of economic recovery, including a decrease in reliance on federal support for salary payments.
He also highlighted advancements in agriculture and increasing stability, insisting that the reforms are starting to produce positive results and rebuild national confidence, expressing hope for continued progress in essential economic sectors in the future.
