Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Alia, Yilwatda, APC Eulogise Bisi Akande on 87th Birthday

Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Segun James in Lagos

Prominent Nigerians yesterday paid glowing tributes to the pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, as he clocked 87 on January 16, 2026.
President Bola Tinubu in a statement issued yesterday appreciated the former governor of Osun State for his leadership, industry, hard work, wisdom and labour of love for APC and the nation at large.

Tinubu, in the birthday goodwill stated, inter alia: “Today, I celebrate Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman, former governor of Osun State and the first Chairman of our governing All Progressives Congress, on his 87th birthday on January 16, 2026.
“Baba Akande has contributed a lot to the growth and development of this country and to the emergence and institutionalisation of democracy in the land.

“Fired by Awolowo’s political vision and ideology, Baba Akande began life as an accountant, working for British Petroleum. He soon took a leave of absence and delved into public service, from which he never looked back.
“Because he distinguished himself, it was no surprise that, after serving as the Secretary to the State Government in the old Oyo State in 1979, he later became the Deputy Governor in the same state in the Second Republic, and much later, the Osun Governor from 1999 to 2003.

“As Interim Chairman of APC, Baba laid the building blocks for a political edifice that, for the first time in Nigeria’s political history, unseated an incumbent in the centre in 2015.
“We must thank Baba for his leadership, industry, hard work, wisdom and labour of love for our party and country.
“We must thank him for his contributions to his state and nation. We must thank him for his contributions to the progressive movement.
“Baba remains a mentor and leader for his integrity, honesty, uprightness and consistent belief in the values that ennoble the nation.

“I must again express my gratitude to Baba Akande for his inspiration, advice and encouragement, which greatly helped me in my political career and my journey to the presidency.
“His support for our administration and for the continued implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda is also worthy of note.
“Having Baba Akande in my corner as a partner and ally has proved tremendously helpful.
“Even at 87, Baba Akande has shown no signs of weakness or relentlessness. He remains a strident advocate, supporter, and fighter for the ideals of democracy, social justice, and good governance.

“As he marks his 87th birthday, I pray for good health and renewed strength for Chief Akande.”
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Benue State counterpart, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, have also congratulated elder statesman, Chief Akande, on his 87th birthday.

Sanwo-Olu described Akande as an advocate of good governance, an epitome of true federalism, a true democrat and a respected political icon who has impacted many lives positively in Nigeria through politics and governance.
The governor in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Chief Akande, popularly known as ‘Baba Omo kekeke’, is a role model to many people for his courage and dedication to the public interest.

He also commended Chief Akande for his commitment to public service, especially during his tenure as the first Governor of Osun State in the current Fourth Republic, adding that he remains a beacon of hope for younger generations in a country where many believe that politics is a means for personal acquisition.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, as well as the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, I congratulate our father, Chief Bisi Akande, on his 87th birthday.

“Chief Bisi Akande is a true democrat and a respected political icon who has remained in the progressive camp and contributed immensely to political development and governance in Nigeria for over five decades. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.”

On his part, Governor Alia described Akande as one of the finest products of Nigeria’s progressive political tradition.

He stressed that his life of service, discipline and unwavering commitment to political ideals has continued to inspire many.

Alia said that Akande remains a moral compass, mentor, and reference point for integrity, honesty, and steadfast belief in values that strengthens nationhood.

In the vein, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, described Akande as a priceless asset to the party and a towering figure in Nigeria’s progressive politics.

Yilwatda eulogised Akande’s lifelong commitment to integrity, principled leadership, and democratic values, noting that his contributions were instrumental to the formation, growth, and stability of the APC.

He noted, “At 87, Baba Bisi Akande represents the very best of progressive politics in Nigeria. His life is a testament to courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of justice, federalism, internal democracy, and good governance.”

The APC National Chairman described Akande as a bridge between generations, whose wisdom, calm disposition, and moral authority have continued to guide the party, especially in moments of transition and challenges.

“Baba Akande has been more than a party leader; he has been a father, a teacher, and a moral compass to the APC.

“From the formative years of the progressive struggle to the consolidation of our party, his selfless service and principled counsel have helped shape the soul and direction of the APC,” Yilwatda stated.

He added that Akande’s influence transcends partisan politics, noting that his legacy of discipline, sincerity, and service remains a source of inspiration to leaders and citizens across the country.

“On behalf of the National Working Committee, party leaders, and millions of APC members nationwide, Professor Yilwatda wished Chief Akande continued good health, peace, and strength.

“We thank God for the gift of Baba Akande at 87. Nigeria is better for his contributions, and the APC is stronger because of his enduring legacy. We celebrate a life well lived and pray that his wisdom continues to bless our party and our nation,” Yilwatda said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) described Akande a doyen of democracy, as he marked his 87th birthday anniversary.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement issued yesterday said Akande’s life of service reflects extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s political development and democratic evolution.

He said, “As Interim Chairman of the APC, he provided principled leadership and laid the foundation for the historic political hurricane that swept away the incumbent government in 2015, and birthed a new era of progressive governance in our country.  

“A quintessential Awoist and progressive, Baba Akande was a leading campaigner for Nigeria’s return to democracy. His reputation as a man of high integrity, discipline, courage, and illustrious service stand as stellar benchmark for leadership in our country.

“At 87, Baba Akande remains an eloquent voice of reason and an embodiment of the moral conscience of our nation’s political establishment. His uprightness and steadfast love of country continue to instruct today’s leaders and inspire the next generation of nation builders.”

Morka acknowledged Akande’s unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu-administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu also yesterday rejoiced with

Mr. Kolawole Peregrino an administrator, strategist, and entrepreneur, on his 65th birthday.

Tinubu, in a release issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Onanuga, joined the Peregrino family and friends to celebrate the milestone, which follows decades of dedication and impactful contribution to public service.

According to him, Mr. Peregrino’s journey reflects discipline, resilience, and commitment to service, noting his early professional years in the insurance sector and at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as well as his entrepreneurial pursuits and long-standing engagement in grassroots politics.

The President acknowledged his contributions to political development in Lagos State and the South-west since 1999, as well as his leadership as the General Manager of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, where he has provided purposeful direction in repositioning the Corporation for improved efficiency, competitiveness, and growth.

Tinubu wished him good health, renewed strength, and more fulfilment in the years ahead.