My memory is that they had the weapons, but not necessarily the capability to launch them or compile them into a functional nuclear weapons program. What they had was leftovers from the soviet union. A lot of them may never have left the silos even if they could find the go button.

Having nukes you cant use is worse than no nukes. You are a target for terrorists trying to lay their hands on materials, you are a threat to the entire planet (especially your new large neighbor) it was a losing proposition.