Atiku Abubakar

Happy Birthday, Senator Liyel Imoke. Over the years, you have distinguished yourself through principled leadership, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of our nation. Your service to Cross River State and Nigeria continues to inspire many. On this special day, I pray that Almighty God grants you many more years in good health, strength, and fulfillment as you continue to make invaluable contributions to our country’s democratic journey. -AA

Happy 67th Birthday to my dear sister and ally, Lauretta Onochie, @Laurestar. Your unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to the progress of our great party and our nation continues to inspire countless Nigerians. As you celebrate this special milestone, I pray that Almighty God grants you abundant joy, excellent health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service. -AA

It was both an honour and a pleasure to host Astronaut Owolabi Salis, Nigeria's first astronaut. We engaged in fascinating discussions about how to advance Nigeria beyond the skies. -AA

On behalf of my family, I extend my warmest congratulations to my younger brother and compatriot, Rt. Hon. Zakari Mohammed, the ADC Governorship Candidate for Kwara State, as he marks his 56th birthday. Today, we celebrate a distinguished patriot whose life has been defined by service, courage, competence, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Kwara State and Nigeria. Your record as a two-term member of the House of Representatives, where you also served with distinction as the Spokesman of the 7th Assembly, reflects your deep understanding of democratic governance and legislative excellence. Your impactful service as Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Commissioner for Energy, Special Assistant on Sports, and Sole Administrator of Kwara United Football Club further demonstrates your capacity to deliver results wherever duty calls. Beyond politics, you have built an admirable career as a broadcaster, journalist, criminologist, and defence and security expert. Your attainment of a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy is a testament to your dedication to knowledge, leadership, and national development. As you continue your journey of service, I pray that Almighty Allah grants you sound health, greater wisdom, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful leadership. May He guide your steps and bless your aspiration to lead Kwara State into a new era of justice, prosperity, security, and inclusive development. I have no doubt that your experience, integrity, and passion for the welfare of the people will continue to inspire hope and confidence among Kwarans and Nigerians. -AA

This afternoon, I had the honour of hosting His Excellency Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria @EUinNigeria, at my residence in Abuja. We engaged in productive discussions on issues of mutual interest between Nigeria and the EU, with particular emphasis on the upcoming general elections. I expressed my appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and for the European Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections, as well as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economy. -AA

Congratulations to Morocco on a deserved 3-0 victory over Canada and on becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You have once again lifted the hopes of an entire continent and reminded the world that African football belongs on the biggest stage👏🏽. -AA

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the people of Lagos who have been affected by the ongoing flooding. My thoughts are with the families, motorists, commuters, business owners and everyone whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by this unfortunate event. At moments like this, we are reminded of the strength of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together in support of one another. I pray for the safety of all, for a swift return to normalcy. -AA

How @atiku's @AUNigeria is impacting Northern Nigeria By Margee Ensign @vanguardngrnews "The American University of Nigeria granted scholarships to twenty-one young women who escaped Boko Haram militants. Thus, even before Boko Haram intensified its rampage of terrorizing regional communities with bombings and kidnappings, we had developed strong and trusting relationships with local leaders. They were the ones to alert us about the intensifying threat of Boko Haram not far from us... When later in 2014 close to 300,000 refugees poured into our small city to flee Boko Haram’s escalating destruction of mass bombings and kidnappings, we had strong relationships to draw upon and an institutional structure to help us feed and house the refugees. When a local university north of us was destroyed, we opened our classrooms and residence halls to its students so that they could successfully conclude their school year. Even today, very far away from Yola in northern Nigeria, I remember with nostalgia something one of my Nigerian students from the town of Chibok told me. After rescuing her from her Boko Haram kidnappers, we brought her to the American University of Nigeria. Upon graduation, she said words that I carry with me every day: “Education gives me the wings to fly, the power to fight, and the voice to speak.”" share.google/mSakLSjl2qPoaT…

Happy birthday, @Edocentral. Thank you for your steadfast support and commitment to our collective mission of taking back Nigeria and bringing back the good times. Your loyalty and dedication are deeply appreciated. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more years of blessings and fulfillment. -AA

I welcome the Court of Appeal's decision to stay the execution of the Federal High Court judgment seeking the deregistration of our great party, the ADC, and four other political parties. It is particularly significant that INEC itself initiated the application for the stay. The disturbing spectacle of judicial contradictions and politically charged rulings playing out in our courts has placed the judiciary under intense public scrutiny. As ADC National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, rightly observed, the judiciary itself is now on trial. Any attempt to undermine Nigeria's hard-won democracy through judicial manipulation is a grave danger to the Republic. If our democracy suffers further injury, history will demand accountability from those entrusted with dispensing justice. The judiciary still has an opportunity to redeem itself by standing firmly on the side of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the Nigerian people. -AA

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Kola Oweyo, a legendary thespian and scholar of African drama. His iconic role as King Lapite in the timeless "Saworoide" immortalised his immense talent and teachings. A great void has been left in Theatre Arts. He will be sorely missed by lovers of African stories worldwide. I join his family and fans in mourning this exceptional dramatist and teacher of social conscience. May his soul rest in peace. -AA

Your Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR. It is with profound joy that I felicitate with you on the occasion of your 84th birthday anniversary. I particularly congratulate you on marking this significant milestone with the public presentation of three books written in your honour, including your autobiography and the proceedings of a festschrift celebrating your life and contributions to our nation. These publications are fitting tributes to a lifetime of service, patriotism, sacrifice, and distinguished leadership. Your attainment of 84 years in remarkable health and strength is a special blessing and a testament to God's abiding grace. At this venerable age, you remain one of Nigeria's most respected elder statesmen, whose life and service continue to inspire generations across our country and beyond. As an associate in the service of Nigeria, I join your family, friends, associates, admirers, and well-wishers in celebrating not only your longevity but also the enduring legacy of your contributions to nation-building. Your visionary leadership in returning Nigeria to democratic governance and laying the foundation of the Fourth Republic remains one of the defining moments in our national history. It is particularly significant that your birthday comes on the heels of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, marking 27 unbroken years of democratic rule—a legacy to which your leadership made an invaluable contribution. At a critical period in our nation's history, you placed national interest above personal ambition and guided the country through a peaceful transition that restored democratic governance. That singular act of statesmanship secured your place among the architects of modern Nigeria. Beyond that historic achievement, your unwavering commitment to peace, national unity, reconciliation, and democratic values has further distinguished you as a statesman of rare wisdom, courage, and moderation. Your life's work continues to remind us that true leadership is measured not by power exercised, but by sacrifice rendered in service to one's country. As you attain this new age, I have no doubt that you will continue to deploy your vast experience, moral authority, and voice in advancing peace, national cohesion, good governance, and democratic ideals in Nigeria and across Africa. I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, renewed strength, peace of mind, divine protection, and many more years of impactful service to humanity. On behalf of my family and associates, please accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes for many happy returns of the day in peace, joy, fulfilment, and prosperity. Happy 84th Birthday, Your Excellency. -AA

PRESS RELEASE Atiku calls for declaration of emergency on security *Says attacks on schools may cripple education, stall development The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has decried the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, expressing concern that the terrorists and bandits attacks are now targeted at not only wasting precious human lives, but crippling the country's education. Atiku raised the concern on Wednesday following the latest attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State in which three persons, including the Vice Principal of the school, and two others were killed while several students were abducted. Recall that a total of not less than 90 school children were on May 15 abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and the principal in the Oriire school beheaded. The ADC presidential candidate in the 2027 election is worried that there is a pattern in these attacks aimed at crippling our education sector and consequently stalling our development strides. The former Vice President therefore, calls for the declaration of emergency on security in Nigeria. He, however, noted that the envisaged state of emergency on security does not include the suspension of elected officials of states. According to the Waziri Adamawa, the latest attack on a school in Kogi State is a direct threat to education and a colossal national embarrassment that demands urgent and drastic action. "It is high time the Federal Government declared a statement of emergency to empower commanders with more freedom to act decisively and proactively with these monsters in the county," Atiku said. "I am not in any way calling for the removal of elected officials, but rather advocating for commanders to have freer hand to protect their battlefield decisions from political interference." Hide quoted text The ADC Presidential candidate explained that "Nigeria is facing worsening insecurity that demands extraordinary measures, including state of emergency. "Learning can only take place in a safe environment and terrorist attacks on schools are increasingly making our schools dangerous places. Worse still, the anxiety and trauma that follow terrorist attacks on schools will inevitably make the school environment unsafe for both students and teachers. "Under no circumstances, should we allow terrorists or bandits to destroy our way of life and stop our children from going to school." The former Vice President added that "a terrorist attack on one one school is a threat to schools elsewhere across the country because of its domino-effect." As part of the drastic measures to address these security challenges, Atiku advocated the establishment of national guards made up of retired veterans to complement the efforts of our military and police that are clearly overstretched and under-manned." He also called for improved human intelligence on terrorist movements and greater community vigilance, explaining that "our communities have a great role to play in information sharing and eternal vigilance." Signed: Atiku Media Office Abuja 10 June, 2026. Photo illustration is from the archives.

Today, I celebrate a distinguished statesman and committed democrat, Chief Ralph Nwosu, on the occasion of his birthday. Chief Nwosu’s years of service to our nation’s democratic journey have been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of institutions over individuals. His role in facilitating a seamless transition that ushered in the David Mark-led leadership of the coalition ADC reflected rare statesmanship, maturity, and a deep commitment to the collective aspirations of the party and the nation. It takes exceptional character to place the progress of an institution above personal considerations. As you mark another year, I pray that Almighty God grants you good health, wisdom, strength, and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria. May history remember your contributions kindly, and may the seeds you have sown in the pursuit of a stronger democracy continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Happy Birthday, Chief Ralph Nwosu. Wishing you joy, peace, and abundant blessings. -AA

I am deeply saddened by the tragic train accident along the Warri–Itakpe corridor near Agbor, Delta State, which claimed the lives of some Nigerians and left many others injured. My heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment and wish them strength in this difficult time. I extend my sympathies to the people and Government of Delta State over this painful incident. I commend the swift response of the Delta State Government, emergency personnel, and all those involved in the rescue efforts. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety standards and emergency preparedness across our transportation system. May God grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort the bereaved, and restore good health to the injured. -AA

Dear Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, @NOIweala, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the recent loss of your beloved younger brother, Prince Ikechukwu Okonjo, who, until his passing, was a respected member of the Umu Obi Obahai royal family of the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Delta State. I understand how deeply painful it is to bury a family member. My family and I hold you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. May you and your loved ones find strength during this difficult time. We pray that his soul rest in peace. -AA

Happy birthday, @MyksonDosSantos. Your creativity and the powerful video edits you craft from our archive have not gone unnoticed. They are impactful. May this new year bring you joy, good health, and every success. Nigeria will work again, and supporters like you are why. -AA

I am elated at reports of the rescue of 360 persons who were abducted by terrorists in Ngoshe, Borno State. Even as this brings to an end the ordeal of the abductees and the anguish of their loved ones since they were abducted in March, we are still faced with threats from terrorism and banditry attacks. I acknowledge the role of the military and all other security agencies that were involved in the safe rescue of the Ngoshe abductees. I am confident that if provided with the necessary tools and much-needed political leadership, the military will bring to an end the nearly two decades of insurgency. Even as we savour this rescue, I urge the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue nearly 100 school children and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State and Mussa, Borno State and all other Nigerians still in the custody of terrorists and bandits. More importantly, I call for a rejig of our security architecture that places emphasis on intelligence, technology and preemptive actions that nips in the bud terrorist and banditry attacks before they are carried out. -AA

It was my pleasure hosting the African Democratic Congress North East leaders at my residence in Abuja following the appointment of Daniel Bwala (Talban Adamawa) from Adamawa State as the party’s North East Vice Chairman. I am even more grateful to hear that the visit was aimed at honouring my contributions to the growth of the party. Thank you very much indeed for the gesture - AA