Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), describing him as a leader who placed the nation's interest above personal ambition by peacefully handing over power to a democratically elected government in 1999. Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Abuja during a ceremony marking Abdulsalami's 84th birthday and the public presentation of three books written in his honour: Call of Duty, Nigeria's Grand Patriot, and Mediating for Peace in Africa.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, drew an array of prominent national and international figures, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former South African leader Thabo Mbeki, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several state governors. The gathering was described by Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as “a fitting tribute to General Abubakar's life.”
A Soldier‑Democrat Who Kept His Word
In his address, Tinubu lauded Abdulsalami for his pivotal role in Nigeria's transition from military rule to democracy. He recalled that Abdulsalami assumed leadership at a “critical juncture in Nigeria's political history, amid uncertainty and apprehension,” yet made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and fulfilled that promise within 11 months — “a record in Nigeria's transition history.”
“He didn't prolong the transition to civil rule but handed over power on schedule, choosing honour and integrity over the allure of power,” Tinubu said. The President described Abdulsalami as “one of Nigeria's most outstanding and courageous leaders, a true statesman, a soldier‑democrat, a passionate bridge‑builder, a dependable patriot and a noble gentleman.”
Tinubu noted that the former Head of State superintended over a transition that “gave birth to the ongoing Fourth Republic in 1999, the most enduring democratic era in Nigeria's history.” He declared that “no honour is too great for Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,” adding: “You deserve all the accolades bestowed upon you today.”
‘That Phone Call Brought Me Back From Exile’
The President also shared a personal account of how Abdulsalami's sincerity influenced his own return to political participation. Tinubu, who was in exile during the military regime, disclosed that a telephone call from Abdulsalami assured him and other pro‑democracy activists of a genuine transition programme. “Many of us were in exile, campaigning for the return of democracy, uncertain and fearful of returning home,” he said. “That call from General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as Head of State, assured us that he would implement a sincere transition programme and, if we returned, guarantee our safety.”
Tinubu said that gesture shaped his decision to come back to Nigeria and participate in the democratic process. “Without it, I might not be standing in Abuja as Nigeria's 16th president,” he stated. He thanked Abdulsalami for keeping his promise and for pulling the country “back from the edge of disintegration.”
Land Allocated For African Resource Centre
In a further gesture of appreciation, President Tinubu directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land in Abuja for the development of the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC). Tinubu described the centre as “a worthy initiative that aligns with the values General Abubakar has championed throughout his life.”
The President said Abdulsalami's life has been “defined by duty, moderation, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the public,” noting that he “occupies a unique place in the history of our nation.”
Obasanjo, Jonathan, Mbeki Add Voices of Praise
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who himself was released from detention by Abdulsalami and later succeeded him as civilian president, paid a warm tribute, describing Abdulsalami as “a soldier, a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.” Obasanjo revealed that Abdulsalami was in the final stages of securing the release of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola's sudden death in custody. “Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. I remember you telling me on the telephone, 'Our man is dead,'” Obasanjo recounted.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan praised Abdulsalami for his uncommon courage and selflessness, stating: “If there is anybody that we can give credit to who has stabilised democracy in Nigeria today, it is General Abdulsalami Abubakar.” Jonathan noted that Abdulsalami resisted pressures to extend military rule and instead oversaw a peaceful transition that “restored democratic governance and renewed hope in the future of our country.”
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, delivering the keynote address, said Abdulsalami's contributions “led to the consolidation of democratic governance and peacebuilding across Africa,” adding that the former Head of State “shunned all overtures and placed the well‑being of Nigerians above personal interests.”
The event was chaired by another former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), who also paid tribute to Abdulsalami's legacy of service and leadership. The three books launched at the ceremony document Abdulsalami's life as a soldier, statesman, and peacemaker, and are intended to serve as a guide for future generations on leadership and nation‑building.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its democratic journey, the celebration of Abdulsalami Abubakar's 84th birthday stood as a testament to the enduring value of leaders who choose national interest over personal power — and who keep their word even when the weight of a nation rests on their shoulders.
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