Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has penned his tribute to former President of Nigeria, Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, on the occasion of his 84th birthday today, Saturday 13 June, 2026.
The 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) said, he is celebrating the statesman for his “contributions to Nigeria and Africa”.
On X, Obi said, Abubakar, who served as the military head of state of Nigeria from 1998 to 1999, “occupies a unique place” in the history of Nigeria, adding, he displayed “uncommon courage and selflessness” by leading Nigeria through a “peaceful transition to democratic governance”.
In his tribute to Abubakar, Obi wrote: “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.
“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.”
The former Labour Party (LP) member said, as we celebrate the former Minister of Defence, we should be reminded that, “true leadership” is weighed by the “positive impact one leaves on people and institutions”, and not by amassing power.
The former African Democratic Congress (ADC) member prayed God’s “good health and strength” for the former Chief of General Staff.
Obi further wrote: “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.
“May Almighty God continue to grant him good health, wisdom, and strength to keep serving humanity and our nation.”
Abdulsalami Abubakar was born on 13 June, 1942 in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
Photo: Abdulsalami Abubakar | Peter Obi
