President Bola Tinubu celebrated the 85th birthday of former Osun State governor and prominent All Progressives Congress chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande.
The acknowledgment was conveyed through a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, titled “President Tinubu Celebrates His Longstanding Ally, Chief Bisi Akande, At 85.”
Tinubu and Akande, who were both governors from 1999 to 2003, shared a long-standing alliance, with Tinubu leading in Lagos during their concurrent tenures. Their political journey began under the banner of the now-defunct Alliance for Democracy, where both leaders contested and emerged victorious.
The statement read, “With a heart full of joy and gratitude to God, President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday on January 16, 2024.
“Chief Akande, CFR, was the governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and the first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.”
Tinubu extolled Akande’s defining principles of integrity, loyalty, truth, and justice, recalling his exemplary leadership odyssey and selfless service to Nigeria.
“Baba was a principal actor in the founding of our great party, the All Progressives Congress. He has always been a progressive; always noble and disciplined in thoughts and actions, and given to rational and enlightened ideals.
“He is a cherished friend and confidant, ever so generous with his wise counsel. I celebrate him,” Tinubu concluded.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari described the former Osun State governor in 2021 during his 82nd birthday statement as “one of the biggest and strongest pillars of democracy in the country.”
