Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar on his 84th birthday, describing the former head of state as one of the architects of modern Nigeria whose contribution to democratic governance remains a defining chapter in the nation’s history.
In a congratulatory message posted on his X handle on Saturday, Atiku praised Abdulsalami for marking the occasion with public presentation of three books written in his honour -including an autobiography and the proceedings of a festschrift documenting his life and public service.
These publications are fitting tributes to a lifetime of service, patriotism, sacrifice, and distinguished leadership,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President singled out Abdulsalami’s decision to hand over power to democratically elected government in 1999 as an act of statesmanship that secured his place in Nigeria’s history.
He noted that the birthday fell in the days following the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, marking 27 unbroken years of democratic rule -a legacy he attributed in significant part to Abdulsalami’s leadership.
“At a critical period in our nation’s history, you placed national interest above personal ambition and guided the country through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance,” Atiku wrote. “That singular act of statesmanship secured your place among the architects of modern Nigeria.”
Atiku also praised Abdulsalami’s continued commitment to peace, national unity, and reconciliation, calling him “a statesman with rare wisdom, courage, and moderation” and expressing confidence that he would continue to lend his voice moral authority to democratic governance across Africa.
