Atiku Abubakar

I warmly congratulate my dear brother, HE Peter Obi, @PeterObi, on his 65th birthday. I celebrate his remarkable journey, steadfast commitment to public service, and contributions to our democracy. May the years ahead bring him renewed strength, wisdom, good health, and fulfilment. Happy birthday, Peter. -AA

I congratulate Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, @MrsBBold, on her election as the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association. Her victory reflects the confidence of the Bar in her leadership and marks another significant milestone for women in the legal profession. The NBA remains a vital pillar in defending constitutional democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and judicial independence. I urge the new leadership to uphold these values with courage and independence while promoting equal access to justice for all Nigerians. I wish Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya and her team a successful and impactful tenure. -AA

I join the family, friends, and associates of His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, our vice-presidential candidate in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in mourning the passing of his beloved mother, Mrs Mary Amaechi. I am told that she lived an exemplary Christian life marked by devotion to God, faithful worship, and selfless service to her community. She was a mother to all who crossed her path, and Nigeria remains deeply indebted to her memory for raising one of our outstanding statesmen and great patriots, His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation. I pray that God grants her beautiful soul eternal rest and comforts the family, friends, and loved ones she has left behind. -AA

The measure of a nation is how it responds when the powerful are touched by tragedy and the powerless demand truth. Mary Habila was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, a young professional with her life ahead of her. She was a Nigerian. Her death must not be reduced to a footnote of political convenience. Nigeria will work again, but only when the life of every Nigerian counts, and when no one, however highly placed, stands beyond the reach of accountability. May the soul of Mary Habila rest in peace. May her family find justice. -AA

I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna, who died on June 27, 2026, within the private residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State. First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died. But condolences are not enough. Nigerians deserve answers, and it is on this score that the Tinubu administration has failed, comprehensively and disgracefully. Consider the facts that are not in dispute. A young woman died in the residence of a serving Federal Minister. For nearly two weeks, neither the Minister, nor the police, nor any arm of government said a word to the Nigerian people. It took the courage of Sahara Reporters to bring this death into public view. Three weeks after her death, no autopsy has been performed. No cause of death has been established. The investigation remains domiciled in the very state where the Minister served two terms as Governor and where his influence is beyond question. And through all of this, silence from the Presidency. Silence from the Federal Executive Council. Silence from the Inspector-General of Police. Silence from the National Assembly. Not one word. Not one directive. Not one gesture to assure Nigerians that the life of Mary Habila matters to this government. Instead, the Minister has been permitted to manage the narrative of a death that occurred under his own roof: issuing statements through his personal aides, deploying his private lawyers to correspond with the police, and continuing his official duties as though nothing has happened, while civil society groups, youth organisations, and the family’s own community cry out for an independent inquiry. Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point. Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth, and it is the refusal of the Federal Government to guarantee such an investigation that constitutes the scandal before us. A government’s first duty is the protection of life. Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest. President Tinubu’s administration has instead treated this tragedy as an inconvenience to be waited out. If the death of a young Nigerian woman in a Minister’s residence cannot stir this government to act, then Nigerians must ask: whose life, exactly, does this government value? I therefore demand the following: One, President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy. No official under this cloud should preside over a federal ministry as though it were business as usual. Two, the Inspector-General of Police must immediately transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts. No investigation conducted in the shadow of the Minister’s home-state influence can command public confidence. Three, a full, independent, and internationally credible autopsy must be conducted without further delay, with the findings made public. The stalemate over the post-mortem, three weeks after this young woman’s death is an indictment of every institution involved. Four, the family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement, or intimidation, and must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour, beloved mother of the ADC Governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, @GRVlagos. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Gbadebo, the Rhodes-Vivour familiy, and all who mourn her passing. At moments like this, no words can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one. I pray that the Almighty God grants her eternal mercy, forgives her shortcomings, and comforts the family with the strength and patience to bear this profound loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace. -AA

I welcome the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees. This reversal is a victory for millions of Nigerian parents, students, civil society organisations, and all citizens who refused to remain silent in the face of an unjust policy. The government announced the suspension after widespread criticism of the proposed increase. This decision vindicates the concerns I expressed when I warned that pricing public examinations beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians would deepen educational inequality, worsen the out-of-school children crisis, and deny countless brilliant but indigent students the opportunity to pursue higher education. However, the question remains: why must this government always wait for public outrage before correcting policies that should never have been conceived in the first place? Governing is not a laboratory for reckless experimentation. Sound governments consult before they decide, not after Nigerians have been subjected to needless anxiety and uncertainty. It is becoming a disturbing pattern. This administration announces harsh policies with little evidence of meaningful consultation, only to retreat when confronted by overwhelming public opposition. That is not responsive governance; it reflects poor policy formulation. The purpose of leadership is to anticipate the consequences of public policy before it is implemented. A government that repeatedly relies on public resistance to discover its mistakes is admitting, whether intentionally or not, that it is disconnected from the daily realities of its citizens. The proposed examination fee hike would have erected yet another financial barrier for millions of Nigerian children whose families are already burdened by inflation, rising transportation costs, soaring electricity tariffs, and declining purchasing power. I commend parents, teachers, labour organisations, student groups, education stakeholders, and every patriotic Nigerian whose collective voice compelled this reconsideration. Democracy works best when citizens hold their government accountable. However, suspending this policy should not be the end of the conversation. The Federal Government must now engage stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO that strengthens these examination bodies without transferring the burden to struggling families. More importantly, this administration must abandon its growing habit of announcing anti-people policies first and listening later. Consultation is not a sign of weakness; it is the foundation of responsible governance. A government that listens only after Nigerians cry out is a government that has stopped listening to the people it was elected to serve. Thankfully, as the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians have a clear choice. They can choose an administration whose policies are too often driven by trial and error, or they can choose experienced leadership with a proven record in national governance. The lesson from this latest policy reversal is simple: a nation as important as Nigeria cannot be governed like a laboratory for endless experimentation. Nigerians deserve leadership that listens before it acts, consults before it decides, and gets it right the first time. -AA

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