This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
It was titled “President Tinubu Celebrates His Longstanding Ally, Chief Bisi Akande, At 85.”
Tinubu celebrated his long-time ally as both of them were governors in 1999-2003, with the President leading in Lagos.
Both contested and won under the platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy.
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.”
Earlier in December 2023, Akande warned against labelling members who disagree with the ideology or affairs of the APC as agents of the opposition.
