Elder statesman Bisi Akande has revealed details of his discussions with President Bola Tinubu before he decided to run for office in 2023.
In an interview, Akande spoke about Tinubu’s political journey and initial reluctance to contest.
He said Tinubu, despite his experience in Lagos and American politics, lacked deep knowledge of Nigeria’s political landscape at the time.
He also dismissed claims that Tinubu had always wanted to become president, stating that he had to convince him to run.
According to Akande, Tinubu was hesitant due to financial concerns and self-doubt.
He reportedly told Akande that if he had the wealth required to contest, he would be as rich as business magnate Aliko Dangote.
Akande explained that Tinubu’s resistance worried his supporters, prompting them to seek his intervention.
He traveled to Lagos to persuade Tinubu, telling him that his candidacy was not about personal ambition but about representing the Yoruba people at the national level.
Tinubu was also worried about his health, particularly his leg (arthritis), but Akande assured him that he could seek treatment before the election.
“Tinubu later asked me that Baba, you now say I should run. What about this, my leg and I assured him to go and treat it that it will heal in six months”, Akande said in the interview.
