‘A lesson in leadership’ — PDP celebrates Atiku at 77

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has felicitated Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, on the occasion of his 77th birthday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said Abubakar, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is a “quintessence of humility, a kind-hearted, humane and people-focused leader, a forthright administrator and courageous statesman”.

The opposition party said Abubakar is a “national icon of democracy”, who remains “unwavering in his love and commitment towards Nigerians and the unity, stability and development” of Nigeria.

Ologunagba said as one of the founding fathers of the party, the PDP is “proud of Atiku Abubakar’s record of performance in the service” to Nigeria and, especially in bringing his “capacity and competence to bear as the Chairman of the National Economic Council” when he was vice-president between 1999 and 2007.

The party said through Abubakar’s efforts as vice-president, Nigeria “achieved unprecedented national productivity in all sectors and grew the economy to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world”.

“His role in the National Economic Council is always recognized and celebrated for helping the administration achieve vast infrastructural development, massive employment, and business opportunities among other initiatives that made the PDP years in government the Nigerian Golden Years,” the statement reads.

“Nigerians across all persuasions recognize Atiku Abubakar as the embodiment of our national unity and hope for economic recovery and they demonstrated this in their overwhelming support and massive vote for him in the 2019 and 2023 Presidential elections, which mandates were sadly subverted by suppressive and exploitative forces.

“Atiku Abubakar is a lesson in leadership. Despite his towering personality, he remains humble, friendly, and accessible to all, especially the youth.

“He continues to demonstrate that the essence of leadership is in attending to the good, happiness, and wellbeing of others instead of oneself.”

The PDP said if Atiku had won the 2023 presidential election, the nation “would have been on the path of economic prosperity, massive infrastructural development and employment opportunities” and Nigerians wouldn’t have seen the “retrogression that we witness today in the country”.

The party prayed for long life, sound health and vigour for Abubakar as he continues to serve the country and humanity.