Tinubu Rejoices with Olusegun Obasanjo as Former President Turns 89

• President Bola Tinubu congratulates former president Olusegun Obasanjo on his 89th birthday, recognising his significant influence
• Tinubu commends Obasanjo's courage in transitioning power to a civilian government in 1979 and his historic leadership
• The president also prays for Obasanjo's continued good health and wisdom as he serves Nigeria and humanity

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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he turns 89 on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Tinubu said Obasabjo’s towering influence in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond is significant.

President Tinubu recognised Obasanjo’s courage and sacrifices in handing over power to a civilian president in 1979.

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He said the former military Head of State later became the first civilian president in the fourth republic, 1999-2007.

Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, made this known in a statement issued and made available to Legit.ng on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Tinubu affirms Obasanjo’s historic experiences - leading troops to preserve Nigeria’s unity at the warfront, in prison for speaking out against tyranny, and consistently pursuing Africa's political and economic interests.

Onanuga said the president acknowledged the elder statesman’s zeal and wisdom in Nigeria’s development process through his books, regular interventions, and depth of patriotism to nation-building.

The presidential aide said Tinubu prays for more years of good health, strength, and wisdom for Obasanjo as he continues to serve the nation and humanity.

Obasanjo visits Aso Rock after Tinubu's inauguration

Recall that Obasanjo made his first visit to Aso Rock since Tinubu’s inauguration in 2023.

The former president participated in the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, reading the Second Lesson from Genesis.

He reflected on Nigeria’s past international influence and recalled how the late US President Jimmy Carter always informed Nigeria of major actions in Africa.

Read more stories on Tinubu, Obasanjo:

• Former President Obasanjo Reacts to Death Rumour, “God Has Assured Me”
• Tinubu Meets Obasanjo, Jonathan, Photos, Details Emerge
• "Go and Retire": Moment Tinubu Confronted Obasanjo, Old Video Trends
• Presidency Fires Back at Obasanjo, Mentions What Ex-President Should Reflect On
• Did Former Nigerian Leader, Obasanjo Meets President Tinubu? Fact Emerges
• Obasanjo Meets IBB Behind Closed Doors Amid 2027 Speculations
• Obasanjo Opens Up on Having Children: "The Cycle Continues."
• 2027 Election: Obasanjo Drives Peter Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Amid Quest to Sack Tinubu, "We're Happy."
• Obasanjo Fires Back at Fayose Over Controversial Appreciation Message

Obasanjo mentions area Tinubu is competing with Buhari

Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Obasanjo described the tenure of the late Muhammadu Buhari as the worst civil administration in Nigeria’s history.

In one of two publications he launched in March 2025 to mark his 88th birthday, Obasanjo said as a civilian president, Buhari did little or nothing.

Obasanjo described the administration of President Bola Tinubu as one competing with that of Buhari in inefficiency

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.