WorldStage– Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent political figures on Saturday called for credible, inclusive, and accountable leadership as a pathway to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The call was made in Abuja at an event marking the 60th birthday of former Sokoto State governor and ex–Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Speakers at the gathering emphasized the importance of quality representation, humility in leadership, and institutional independence, describing them as essential pillars for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, Obasanjo reflected on the political circumstances surrounding Tambuwal’s emergence as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011, despite initial opposition from the executive arm of government at the time.
According to Obasanjo, the resistance was largely driven by the Peoples Democratic Party’s decision to support Mulikat Akande-Adeola, with the aim of sustaining gender inclusion in legislative leadership.
“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 noted that members of the House exercised their constitutional independence by insisting on Tambuwal, a decision that tested party supremacy within a democratic framework.
“But your members thought otherwise, and you made your decision. And we supported your decision. Initially, even you were not sure of where we would stand, but we stood with you,” Obasanjo added.
He described Tambuwal as a humble leader whose rise illustrated that legislative authority ultimately resides with elected representatives.
“Greatness that does not include humility is greatness that is hollow. Your greatness is not hollow,” Obasanjo said.
Jonathan, who spoke virtually, corroborated Obasanjo’s account, acknowledging that his administration had disagreements with the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s tenure 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.”
Jonathan said Tambuwal’s ability to command the confidence of lawmakers reflected leadership qualities that remain scarce in Nigeria’s political space.
“He held the House together. His colleagues always believed in him, and as President then, I appreciated that quality of leadership, even when we disagreed,” he added.
Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, also praised Tambuwal, describing him as a disciplined, dependable, and trustworthy leader committed to democratic ideals.
“For me, Senator Aminu Tambuwal is a son. He is a dependable and humble leader whose contributions to our democracy cannot be overlooked,” Mark said, adding that Tambuwal’s political career had earned him respect across party lines.
In his response, Tambuwal struck a sombre tone, expressing concern that Nigeria had fallen short of the democratic promise envisioned by its founders and was now in urgent need of national renewal.
He said the decision to mark his 60th birthday with a lecture rather than elaborate celebrations was deliberate, aimed at encouraging reflection on the country’s challenges.
“It is all about the people of this country. It is all about good governance. It is not about me, it is not about merrymaking. It is about looking for a pathway for our country,” Tambuwal said.
Describing Nigeria’s current condition as deeply troubling, Tambuwal argued that both past and present champions of democracy would be disappointed with the state of governance.
“Whether we like it or not, where we are today is unfortunate. This is not where we expected to be,” he said. “Those who laid the foundation for this democracy… are not happy with the current situation in Nigeria.”
He maintained that national recovery must begin with an honest admission that governance structures were failing.
“The only way out is for all of us to agree that there is something fundamentally wrong with what we are doing and having as government in Nigeria today,” Tambuwal said, calling for collective responsibility beyond political parties.
He pledged to recommit himself to the pursuit of good democratic governance, stressing the need for citizens and leaders alike to work together to rescue the country.
Other speakers at the event included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, and former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi.
Also in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah; former Speakers of the House of Representatives Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Minister of Housing Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Rotimi Amaechi; Aminu Masari; Udom Emmanuel; Ibikunle Amosun; Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Emeka Ihedioha; and National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola.
