Senate President Godswill Akpabio has acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly, describing him as a visionary leader committed to Nigeria’s progress.
Akpabio Celebrates Tinubu at 73
Speaking on Saturday during a Special Iftar in Abuja to celebrate President Tinubu’s 73rd birthday, Akpabio praised the president for his bold leadership, transformative vision, and dedication to national development.
He expressed confidence that by the time Tinubu concludes his tenure, he would be remembered as the greatest and most audacious president in Nigeria’s history.
“Congratulations on your 73rd birthday. On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the entire National Assembly, I respectfully wish you a very happy and peaceful birthday celebration.
“Your leadership, vision, and commitment to a greater Nigeria remain an inspiration to future generations.
“As the President of the 10th Senate, which you worked tirelessly to establish, I have had the privilege of working closely with you. I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is remarkable and contagious.
“You are bold, courageous, and visionary, qualities that will etch your name in Nigerian leadership history. By the end of your tenure, you will likely be regarded as the most audacious and impactful president the nation has ever had.
“In your 73 years on earth, you have built a political career defined by challenges, transformative ideas, and unwavering democratic principles. These principles shaped modern-day Lagos State and are now laying the foundation for a renewed hope in Nigeria’s future prosperity,” Akpabio stated.
Akpabio Claims Buhari Sidelined Tinubu After Election Victory
Senator Akpabio also commended Tinubu for his instrumental role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the election victory of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 and 2019. However, he lamented that Tinubu was sidelined by Buhari’s administration despite his significant contributions.
He revealed that Tinubu was not made a member of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), effectively excluding him from major decision-making processes within the APC, despite being hailed as the party’s leader.
“Sir, I want to acknowledge your indelible role in the formation of the APC in 2013, which successfully ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. You played a pivotal role in that historic achievement.
“There is no doubt that your support was crucial in securing victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC in both 2015 and 2019. However, despite your immense contributions, they failed to make you a NEC member.
“They called you the party’s leader but denied you a seat at the decision-making table. The NEC takes all major decisions, yet you were excluded from its affairs.
Tinubu’s Leadership and Economic Reforms
Reflecting on Tinubu’s presidency so far, Akpabio commended his leadership, particularly in advocating for democratic values and bold economic reforms that have started yielding positive results.
“As President of Nigeria in the past two years, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Your bold economic policies and advocacy for democratic values have set the country on the right track.
“With you at the helm, I am confident that Nigeria’s future is secure. Congratulations once again, Mr. President. May God continue to bless you,” he concluded.
Political Reactions and Implications
Akpabio’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and debates about Tinubu’s influence within the APC. His acknowledgment of Tinubu’s past sidelining within the party sheds light on internal party tensions and could shape discussions on governance and leadership moving forward.
As Tinubu continues to implement his economic and political agenda, his legacy as a transformative leader remains a topic of national conversation.
