The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, celebrated former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, retired, on his 85th birthday.

Atiku, in a goodwill message wrote:

To be candid, 85 candles will never be adequate in celebrating the birth anniversary of one of Nigeria's most senior citizens, patriot and statesman of the calibre of former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retired).

Sir, thank you for the sacrifice and love of country. Your long lasting legacy of keeping our country united, the massive investment in infrastructural and socio-economic developments, plus the visionary leadership of moving the nation's capital from Lagos to Abuja.

That aside, thank you for planting the nation-buiding trees that are currently providing shades to generations of Nigerian leaders. Your mentoring acumen and administrative prowess are both legendary and indelible.

Your unique mantra on anger management remains evergreen and advisorily remarkable as a monumental value addition to the body of human knowledge. It is worthy of repeat here:

_"Do not fight your seniors, because elders are not to be insulted; do not trade insults with juniors, because they don't have the experience that you have; and don't fight your mates, because there will always be places to meet."_

The pathfinder role of Your Excellency in the spheres of socio-economic and political lives of our countrymen and women showcased great vision, bravery and patriotic courage of a rare genius.

Despite being a military Head of State, your public relations driven interactions and persuasive engagements with people is a case study in intentional communication strategy. Our nation needs more of such wisdom.

Therefore, as the world celebrates your unique birth anniversary today, please continue to pray for the unity and prosperity of our dear country, especially in view of the precarious situations in our nation today, barely a few months from the general elections holding next year.

At 85, I would want to thank you for your immense and impactful contributions to the history and heritage of our dear country.

I also pray to Allah, that your existence continues to enjoy abundant blessings, longevity and a wealth of good health. More grace, steady pace and a continuous service to humanity, Your Excellency.

Happy birthday, Sir and multiple salutations to the People's witty General and a worthy statesman. -AA