NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi and former head Abdulsalami Abubakar
Presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, has paid glowing tribute to former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), on the occasion of his 84th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose selfless leadership helped steer Nigeria towards democratic governance.
Obi made the remarks on Saturday while joining other eminent Nigerians at an event held to celebrate the elder statesman and unveil books chronicling his life, public service and contributions to Nigeria and the African continent.
According to Obi, General Abdulsalami occupies a special place in Nigeria’s history because of the pivotal role he played during one of the country’s most delicate periods.
“Today, I am honoured to join distinguished Nigerians in celebrating a statesman and elder of our nation, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday and the public presentation of books documenting his remarkable life, service, and contributions to Nigeria and Africa,” Obi said.
Reflecting on the former military leader’s stewardship, Obi noted that Abdulsalami demonstrated courage, patriotism and a deep sense of responsibility when he supervised Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance.
“General Abdulsalami occupies a unique place in our national history. At a critical moment in Nigeria’s journey, he demonstrated uncommon courage, patriotism, and selflessness by guiding our nation through a peaceful transition to democratic governance. His actions helped lay the foundation for the democratic dispensation that Nigeria continues to build upon today,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor said Abdulsalami’s life remains a testament to the values of responsible leadership and service to the nation.
“As we celebrate General Abdulsalami today, we are reminded that true leadership is measured not by the accumulation of power, but by the positive impact one leaves on people and institutions. His life continues to demonstrate that service to the nation must always be guided by responsibility and a commitment to the common good,” Obi added.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former Head of State, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength in the years ahead.
“May Almighty God continue to grant him good health, wisdom, and strength to keep serving humanity and our nation,” Obi said.
General Abdulsalami, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State between 1998 and 1999, is widely credited for overseeing the transition that ushered in the country’s Fourth Republic and restored democratic rule after years of military governance.
