President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar for overseeing Nigeria's 1999 democratic transition, calling him one of the country's most consequential leaders. Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja marking Abubakar's 84th birthday and the unveiling of three books about his life, Tinubu described the retired general as a "true statesman, a soldier-democrat, a passionate bridge-builder, a dependable patriot and a noble gentleman." The event took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, with Vice President Kashim Shettima delivering Tinubu's remarks on his behalf.
Tinubu highlighted Abubakar's decision to hand over power to a civilian government within 11 months of taking leadership, stating he "chose honour and integrity over the allure of power." He credited Abubakar with superintending a transition that gave rise to the current Fourth Republic, noting, "It is on record, General, that you placed the love of country above personal interests and gains." The President said that decision pulled Nigeria back from the edge of disintegration during a turbulent period in national history.
Tinubu recalled receiving a personal phone call from Abubakar during his exile, which assured him of a sincere transition programme and his safety upon return. He said that call influenced his decision to return to Nigeria and added, "Without it, I might not be standing here as President of Nigeria today." He also commended Abubakar's ongoing peacebuilding efforts as chair of the National Peace Committee, saying the former leader encourages political actors to reject violence.
The President revealed that Abubakar remains one of his trusted advisers, offering counsel through private memos rather than public criticism. He announced federal support for the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre, directing Minister Nyesom Wike to allocate land for the project in the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu credits Abdulsalami Abubakar for enabling his return from exile, yet now governs under conditions where such assurances to returning political figures are no longer presumed. The same integrity Abubakar showed in handing over power contrasts with current realities where political safety is not guaranteed by private calls. If a single conversation once unlocked a future presidency, what does its absence mean for today's exiled voices? The value of quiet counsel in private memos stands in tension with the public's demand for transparent governance.
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