Nigeria’s political elite celebrate former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as he marked his 84th birthday

Nigeria’s political elite, former heads of state, serving government officials, foreign leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats and business leaders on Saturday converged on the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to celebrate former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as he marked his 84th birthday and unveiled three books chronicling his life, leadership and contributions to peacebuilding and democratic governance.

Abubakar, was the military head of state who oversaw Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999 and handed over power to Obasanjo as the democratically elected president.

President Bola Tinubu has hailed Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, for choosing “honour and integrity over the allure of power” during Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999.

Tinubu described the former head of state 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”.

“At a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history, Gen. Abubakar, by providence, assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension,” the president added.

“He made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and, despite immense challenges, fulfilled his promise within 11 months, a record in Nigeria’s transition history.

The former president Obasanjo said without the efforts of four military leaders, the country would not be where it is today. He listed the leaders as Gowon, the late Murtala Muhammed, Adekunle Fajuyi and Abubakar.
Obasanjo also commended Abubakar for managing the “uncertainty” that followed the death of Sani Abacha, former military ruler, in June 1998.

“You emerged from the clouds and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation politically. Political prisoners were released, and I was, as has been said by the president of the senate, the beneficiary of that,” he said. 

“No honour is too great" for the former military head of state.

“You deserve all the accolades bestowed upon you today. This gathering is not only a celebration of your 84th birthday but also an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on your legacy and pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape and peace-building efforts in Africa,” Tinubu said.

“It is on record, General, that you placed the love of country above personal interests and gains. You superintended over a transition that gave birth to the ongoing Fourth Republic in 1999, the most enduring democratic era in Nigeria’s history.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan also paid glowing tribute to the former military ruler, crediting him with stabilising Nigeria’s democracy by resisting pressure to remain in office despite possessing absolute political and military power.

Jonathan said Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power within 11 months remains one of the most selfless acts in Nigeria’s political history.

“If there is anybody we can give credit to for stabilising democracy in Nigeria today, it is General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as he marked his 84th birthday and unveiled three books chronicling his life, leadership and contributions to peacebuilding and democratic governance.

The event, which also served as a fundraiser for the proposed Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre, generated close to N2 billion in donations and pledges from prominent Nigerians and institutions.

Foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, announced a donation of N500 million, while Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, pledged N250 million.

Businessman Alhaji Dahiru Mangal donated N100 million, while the Niger State Government pledged N350 million towards the project.

Several other individuals and organisations made undisclosed commitments, bringing total donations and pledges to nearly N2 billion.