President Bola Tinubu has congratulated his long term friend and political rival, Atiku Abubakar on his 78th birthday anniversary.
In a statement issued by Sunday Dare, his special adviser on media and communications, the president said the former vice-president has been an “active player in Nigeria’s democratic process” since 1999.
“The President 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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Abubakar was vice-president between 1999 and 2007.
He was the standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections — losing out in both polls.