President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, consistently chooses to offer his guidance entirely through private memos and personal suggestions instead of open criticism.
The president made the remarks while speaking on Saturday during the marking of Abubakar’s 84th birthday celebration and a public book presentation held in Abubakar’s honour.
Tinubu described the retired military leader as one of his most discreet, trusted, and invaluable advisers.
The President commended the elder statesman for what he described as rare political maturity and restraint, adding that the former Head of State maintains a strict code of conduct when it comes to commenting on successors in office.
“As President, General Abubakar has been one of my best and most discreet advisers,” Tinubu said. “He does not criticise publicly the occupant of the office he once held, but offers counsel through thoughtful memos and suggestions. I have found his advice invaluable, and I am a better leader for it. Thank you, sir.”
Tinubu, who referenced his long-standing political relationship with the former military leader, also recalled his personal experience during Nigeria’s turbulent transition to democratic rule, noting Abdulsalami’s role in shaping the country’s political direction at the time.
The President said that as a beneficiary of the transition programme initiated under General Abdulsalami Abubakar, he remains deeply appreciative of the former Head of State’s pragmatic leadership, which he credited for making Nigeria’s return to civil rule possible against widespread doubts.
“As a beneficiary of your political transition programme, I must recall your pragmatic efforts that made what seemed impossible possible,” Tinubu stated.
He noted that at the time, many pro-democracy groups, including NADECO, NALICON, and the Campaign for Democracy, strongly believed the military would never voluntarily relinquish power after fifteen years of rule.
“Many of us were in exile, campaigning for the return of democracy, uncertain and fearful of returning home,” he said.
Tinubu further revealed that he personally lived in exile during the period, adding that his return to Nigeria was influenced by a direct assurance he received from the then Head of State.
“I was one of those in exile. My decision to return and participate in the transition programme would not have been possible without a phone call that still resonates with me today. That call from General Abdulsalami Abubakar, as Head of State, assured some of us in exile that he would implement a sincere transition programme and, if we returned, guarantee our safety,” he said.
The President also praised Abdulsalami Abubakar for what he described as a critical and historic role in stabilising Nigeria’s political trajectory at a decisive moment in the nation’s history.
“At a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history, Gen. Abubakar, by providence, assumed leadership amid uncertainty and apprehension. He made a solemn commitment to restore democratic governance and, despite immense challenges, fulfilled his promise within 11 months, a record in Nigeria’s transition history. He didn’t prolong the transition to civil rule but handed over power on schedule, choosing honour and integrity over the allure of power.”
Tinubu further stated that the former military leader placed national interest above personal ambition, describing his transition programme as one of the most consequential in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“It is on record, General, that you placed the love of country above personal interests and gains,” he said, adding that Abdulsalami’s administration laid the foundation for the Fourth Republic, which began in 1999 and has remained the longest continuous democratic period in Nigeria’s history.
Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event.