Tinubu Praises Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Selfless Return to Civil Rule

President Bola Tinubu has lauded retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy. He described the former head of state as a “soldier-democrat” whose decision to cede power laid the groundwork for the Fourth Republic. Speaking at the presentation of three books on Abubakar’s life during his 84th birthday at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu highlighted the statesman’s courage and continental influence. He noted that leaders like Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio and South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki were present in recognition of Abubakar’s legacy. Tinubu recalled how the general’s prompt handover in 1999 restored civilian rule in just 11 months. He also shared how a personal phone call from Abubakar assured him and others in exile that they could return safely. The President announced federal support for the new Abdulsalami Abubakar Africa Resource Centre and urged Nigerians to emulate the retired general’s integrity, patriotism and commitment to peace and unity.

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