By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praises on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who clocked 78 years on Monday, November 25, 2024.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, described Atiku, one of his main rivals in the 2023 presidential election, as an “active player in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
The President said he only has good memories with Atiku, praising him for joining in the founding of the All Progressives Congress(APC).
The statement reads in part: “The former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election has been an active player in Nigeria’s democratic process since the return to civilian rule in 1999.”
Dare said Tinubu “recalls many special moments shared with Wazirin Adamawa as founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), united in the mission to build a better future for Nigerians, as well as their engagement as political opponents in the last presidential election.
“President Tinubu recognises Atiku’s commitment to public service and philanthropy and prays Almighty Allah to continue to grant him health and happiness in the years ahead.”
The New Diplomat reports that Atiku contested against Tinubu for the presidential seat in the 2023 general election. However, Tinubu defeated Atiku and others to clinch the highest seat in Nigeria.
