By: Abdullahi Inuwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to his longtime friend and political ally, Senator Abu Ibrahim, describing him as a man of rare courage and unwavering loyalty who once risked imprisonment for his colleagues during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
In a statement personally signed by him to mark Senator Ibrahim’s 80th birthday, President Tinubu recounted the Katsina-born politician’s steadfastness during one of Nigeria’s darkest political moments following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The President revealed that while in detention, Senator Ibrahim, who represented Katsina South in the Third Republic Senate, refused to accept his release until his fellow detained senators, including Tinubu, were also freed.
“When the authorities released him and left the rest of us in the cell, Abu refused to leave, insisting that all of us be released together,” Tinubu recalled. “That act of solidarity defined his courage and loyalty.”
Tinubu narrated how their friendship began in 1992 at the National Assembly—he as Senator for Lagos West under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Ibrahim as Senator for Katsina South under the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). Despite their party differences, both men bonded over shared convictions in democracy and justice.
The President said the duo, alongside a few like-minded colleagues, defied the military junta by reconvening the Senate in Lagos to condemn the June 12 annulment and call for the restoration of democracy — an act that led to their arrest and detention.
“Abu stood in the line of fire for democracy. His loyalty was never about convenience or politics but about conviction,” Tinubu declared.
He also lauded Senator Ibrahim’s subsequent political journey, highlighting his re-elections to the Senate in 2003 and 2011, as well as his critical role in the merger talks that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013.
According to the President, Senator Ibrahim has remained a pillar of unity and a strong advocate for peace within the APC.
“Within the APC, Abu’s consistent advocacy for national unity is remarkable. He supported my presidential aspiration and was by my side throughout the campaign,” Tinubu noted, adding that the elder statesman continues to offer valuable counsel toward the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Describing Senator Ibrahim as “a patriot, a trusted ally, and a brother,” the President prayed for his continued health and long life.
“I join his family, friends, and associates in celebrating him. I pray that Allah grants him more years in good health to continue his service to the nation and humanity,” Tinubu said.
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