The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday celebrated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a towering statesman and a steadfast believer in democracy whose contributions helped shape modern Nigeria.
In a message shared on the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, the PDP hailed Obasanjo as a leader of historic significance, particularly for his role as the first military head of state to voluntarily transfer power to a democratically elected civilian administration.
The party said that decision marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and helped lay the foundation for democratic governance.
The tribute, signed by the party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, also highlighted Obasanjo’s central role in Nigeria’s democratic journey as the PDP’s pioneer presidential candidate and the country’s first president in the Fourth Republic.
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According to the statement, Obasanjo’s leadership at a critical time in Nigeria’s history helped consolidate democratic institutions and stabilize the nation’s political landscape after years of military rule.
“We celebrate a great believer in democracy and a statesman of historic significance — the first Military Head of State to voluntarily hand over power to a democratically elected administration,” the statement read.
The party added that his leadership during the early years of the Fourth Republic played a vital role in strengthening democratic governance and guiding the country through a delicate transition period.
“As the pioneer presidential candidate of our party and the first President of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, you played a pivotal role in consolidating democracy and stabilizing our republic at a critical moment in our national history,” the PDP stated.
The party concluded by celebrating Obasanjo’s service to the nation and wishing him good health and a happy birthday, while acknowledging his enduring influence on Nigeria’s democratic evolution.