Tambuwal at 60: Obasanjo, Atiku, Jonathan Lead Call for Credible Leadership in Nigeria

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Prominent Nigerian leaders from across the political divide converged in Abuja on Saturday to honour former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as he marked his 60th birthday, using the milestone to renew calls for credible leadership, accountability, and inclusive governance as foundations for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The high-level gathering, themed around leadership, democracy, and nation-building, brought together past and present political actors who reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the urgent need for reform, consensus, and responsible leadership.

Obasanjo reflects on Tambuwal’s rise as Speaker

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, led the tributes, describing Tambuwal as a leader whose political ascent underscored the independence of the legislature and the power of democratic choice.

Obasanjo revisited the dramatic 2011 speakership contest in the House of Representatives, noting that both he and then-President Goodluck Jonathan initially opposed Tambuwal’s emergence. According to him, their position was influenced by a desire to promote gender inclusion following the ruling PDP’s backing of Mulikat Akande-Adeola.

“Our thinking was that if, for the first time, a woman had become Speaker of the House, she should be encouraged to remain there,” Obasanjo said.

However, lawmakers exercised their constitutional prerogative and rallied behind Tambuwal, a decision Obasanjo said tested party supremacy within a democratic framework.

“But your members thought otherwise and made their decision. And we supported that decision,” he added.

Describing Tambuwal as a leader grounded in humility, Obasanjo said true greatness must be anchored in modesty and service.

“Greatness without humility is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow,” he said.

Jonathan, Mark hail leadership qualities

Speaking virtually, former President Goodluck Jonathan corroborated Obasanjo’s account, admitting that his administration had disagreements with the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure as Speaker.

“When he was Speaker, I was President, and we had some disagreements,” Jonathan said. “But one thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the House believed so much in him.”

Jonathan noted that the confidence Tambuwal inspired among his colleagues reflected a leadership quality often lacking in politics.

“He held the House together. Even when we disagreed, I appreciated that quality of leadership,” he said.

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, also praised Tambuwal as a disciplined, dependable, and trustworthy leader whose political career has been defined by service and loyalty to democratic ideals.

“For me, Senator Aminu Tambuwal is a son. His contributions to our democracy cannot be overlooked,” Mark said.

Tambuwal calls for national rescue, sober reflection

In his response, Tambuwal struck a reflective tone, warning that Nigeria has drifted far from the democratic ideals envisioned by its founding leaders and now faces a moment of profound national peril.

He explained that activities marking his 60th birthday were deliberately designed around reflection rather than celebration, opting for a lecture that confronts the country’s realities.

“It is all about the people of this country. It is about good governance. It is not about merrymaking. It is about finding a pathway for our country,” he said.

Painting a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, Tambuwal said both the living and the dead who genuinely believed in the nation would be deeply disappointed by how events have unfolded.

“This is not where we expected to be. Even those who laid the foundation of this democracy are not happy with the current situation in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, national recovery must begin with an honest admission that governance in Nigeria is fundamentally flawed and requires collective action beyond political parties.

“Our country is in peril. The only way out is for all of us to agree that something is fundamentally wrong and resolve to work together to bail out the country,” Tambuwal said, pledging to recommit himself to the pursuit of good democratic governance.

Gathering of political heavyweights

The event drew an array of influential figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, and Mulikat Akande-Adeola. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

Other notable attendees included Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; former Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe; Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and several former governors such as Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Gbenga Daniel.

As tributes flowed, one message resonated clearly: Tambuwal’s 60th birthday was not merely a personal milestone, but a platform for a broader national conversation on leadership, democracy, and the urgent need to reset Nigeria’s governance trajectory.