AN ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 84TH BIRTHDAY AND BOOK LAUNCH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR GCFR AT THE BANQUET HALL, PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA, JUNE 13, 2026. VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA DELIVERED THE SPEECH ON THE PRESIDENT’S BEHALF

PROTOCOLS

I am deeply delighted to be here among eminent personalities, gathered from far and near, to honour His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, 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—on this joyous occasion of his 84th birthday and public presentation of three important books.

These books capture the essence of General Abubakar: his life, his work as a soldier and leader, and his contributions to the promotion and sustenance of democracy, peace, and development, not only in Nigeria but in Africa and beyond.

The significance of the man we are honouring justifies the presence of all the leaders gathered here today, including His Excellency President Julius Maada Wonie Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, and the keynote speaker, President Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa.

No honour is too great for Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. 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.

At a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history, Gen. Abubakar, by providence, assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension. 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. He didn’t prolong the transition to civil rule but handed over power on schedule, choosing honour and integrity over the allure of power.

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. You demonstrated vision, integrity and selflessness, ensuring that democratic institutions were not only restored, but also strengthened.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank you immensely for your service and sacrifice. We owe this enduring democratic era to you.

As a beneficiary of your political transition programme, I must recall your pragmatic efforts that made what seemed impossible possible. At that time, many pro-democracy activists in NADECO, NALICON, and the Campaign for Democracy widely believed that the military would never relinquish power after fifteen years. Many of us were in exile, campaigning for the return of democracy, uncertain and fearful of returning home.

I was one of those in exile. My decision to return and participate in the transition programme would not have been possible without a phone call that still resonates with me today. That call from General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as Head of State, assured some of us in exile that he would implement a sincere transition programme and, if we returned, guarantee our safety.

I seize this opportunity to thank General Abubakar for that singular gesture and for keeping his promise to organise a free and fair transition programme. Without it, I might not be standing here as President of Nigeria today. General Abubakar, once again, thank you.

It is necessary to place in proper perspective the extent of this nation’s indebtedness to General Abubakar for walking a tightrope, saving and stabilising the nation at one of its most challenging points in history. By that commitment, General Abubakar, you literally and truly pulled Nigeria back from the edge of disintegration.

I am proud to say that General Abubakar is one of the founding fathers of modern democracy in Nigeria. His single-minded determination laid the foundation of our 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. After overseeing the birth of democracy in 1999, General Abubakar continued to nurture our democracy with peace and stability, chairing the National Peace Committee (NPC), a non-governmental initiative founded in 2014. Through the NPC, he has ensured that Nigerian political actors commit to peaceful conflict resolution and reject violence. Thank you once again, General, for your service to our nation.

As President, General Abubakar has been one of my best and most discreet advisers. He does not criticise publicly the occupant of the office he once held, but offers counsel through thoughtful memos and suggestions. I have found his advice invaluable, and I am a better leader for it. Thank you, sir.

As we celebrate this great icon today, we must resolve as a people to strengthen democratic institutions to withstand future challenges. We must commit to deepening peace-building efforts and creating an enduring culture of national unity and stability.

We must strive to sustain the values of selfless service, integrity, dedication, and patriotism that Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar exemplifies. We must demonstrate an unrelenting commitment to the security, peace, and prosperity of our dear country.

The establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre (AAARC) is a step in the right direction. In recognition of its importance, I hereby direct the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to allocate a suitable parcel of land within the FCT for the centre. This is to support the growth, development and long-lasting impact of the institution in promoting democratic ideals and sustainable peace across our nation and the continent.

Let me also commend the authors of the three books launched today. Your work will help preserve history and impart leadership wisdom to present and future generations.

To the organisers of this event, I thank you for such a great outing and especially for bringing together this distinguished gathering to honour a true national hero.

May we continue to be inspired by your example to serve Nigeria and humanity with honour, courage, and patriotism.

I thank you all.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 13, 2026