Prominent Nigerian leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday called for credible, inclusive, and accountable leadership in Nigeria. They made the call in Abuja during an event to mark the 60th birthday of former Sokoto State Governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The event, which brought together past and present political leaders across party lines, focused on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need for responsible leadership to rescue the country from its current challenges.
Those in attendance included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo and Jonathan stressed that Nigeria’s democracy could only grow stronger if led by people of integrity who are committed to the rule of law and national interest.
Obasanjo, who served as chairman of the occasion, said Nigeria was in dire need of leaders who understand the meaning of service and humility. He explained that credible leadership was the foundation of democracy and national unity.
According to him, Nigeria’s problems are not just about policies but about the quality of people entrusted with leadership.
“We must have credible leadership if we want our democracy to survive and serve the people,” Obasanjo said.
Jonathan, who joined the event virtually, supported Obasanjo’s position, saying leadership failure was one of Nigeria’s biggest problems. He added that democracy could not deliver results without leaders who enjoy the trust and confidence of the people.
Both Obasanjo and Jonathan used the occasion to recall how Tambuwal emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011, despite opposition from the executive arm of government at the time.
Obasanjo explained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was in power then, had supported Mulikat Akande-Adeola to become Speaker in the interest of gender inclusion.
“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, he said members of the House of Representatives insisted on Tambuwal, exercising their constitutional independence. According to Obasanjo, that decision tested the strength of Nigeria’s democracy and the principle of separation of powers.
“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision,” Obasanjo said, referring to Tambuwal. “Initially, even you were not sure where we would stand, but we stood with you.”
He added that the episode showed that true democracy allows elected representatives to make their own choices without undue pressure.
Obasanjo described Tambuwal as a humble leader whose rise in politics was based on respect from his colleagues rather than force or manipulation.
“One thing I saw in you was humility,” Obasanjo said. “Greatness that does not include humility is greatness that is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow.”
Jonathan also praised Tambuwal’s leadership, even though he admitted that there were disagreements between the executive and the legislature during Tambuwal’s time as Speaker.
“When he was Speaker, I was the 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.”
He said the strong support Tambuwal enjoyed among lawmakers showed leadership qualities that many politicians lack.
“He held the House together,” Jonathan added. “Even when we disagreed, I appreciated that quality of leadership.”
Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, also spoke at the event. He described Tambuwal as a dependable, humble, and trustworthy leader who has remained committed to democratic values.
“For me, Senator Aminu Tambuwal is a son,” Mark said. “He is a leader whose contributions to our democracy cannot be ignored.”
Mark said Tambuwal’s political journey showed discipline, loyalty, and service, adding that these qualities earned him respect across party lines.
Other speakers at the event echoed similar views, calling for unity, accountability, and leadership that puts the people first.
In his response, Tambuwal thanked the speakers and guests for honouring him but said the occasion was not meant for celebration. He explained that activities marking his 60th birthday were deliberately designed to focus on reflection and national issues.
Tambuwal said Nigeria had not achieved the democratic promise envisioned by its founding leaders and was now in urgent need of rescue.
“This is not about me or merrymaking,” he said. “It is about the people of this country. It is about good governance and finding a pathway for Nigeria.”
He described the current state of the nation as troubling and said both living and dead champions of Nigeria’s democracy would be disappointed by the situation.
“Whether we like it or not, where we are today is unfortunate,” Tambuwal said. “This is not where we expected to be.”
Tambuwal stressed that saving Nigeria must be a collective effort and not the responsibility of political parties alone. He said every citizen has a role to play in fixing the country.
According to him, the first step toward national recovery is admitting that there is something fundamentally wrong with governance in Nigeria.
“We must agree that something is wrong with what we are doing as a country,” he said. “Our country is in peril, and we are looking for salvation.”
He pledged to recommit himself to the struggle for good governance, saying age had not weakened his resolve to serve the country.
“I may not be taking too many risks,” he said, “but I am prepared to take some and work with every Nigerian who believes in democracy and good governance.”
The event attracted many notable figures from across Nigeria’s political space. Those present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; former Speakers Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; and former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Aminu Masari, Udom Emmanuel, Ibikunle Amosun, and others.
The large turnout reflected Tambuwal’s wide network and the importance many leaders attached to the message of credible leadership.