By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, state governors and senior party leaders have paid glowing tributes to former Osun State governor and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande, praising his integrity, steadfast democratic ideals and lasting influence on the country’s political evolution.
At a gathering of political leaders and associates, Akande was celebrated as one of the defining figures of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and a key architect of progressive politics in the country. Speakers described him as a man whose public life has been guided by principle, discipline and an unwavering commitment to democratic governance.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, lauded Akande’s role in shaping modern Nigerian politics, noting that his courage during the military era and his leadership in the early days of the Alliance for Democracy helped lay the foundation for today’s democratic institutions.
Several governors echoed the president’s sentiments, describing Akande as a mentor whose influence transcends party lines. They credited him with promoting internal democracy, good governance and ideological clarity within progressive political movements.
Party leaders also highlighted Akande’s tenure as national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during which he was seen as a stabilising force at a critical moment in the party’s history. They said his insistence on transparency and collective decision-making strengthened the party and set standards for political leadership.
Akande, widely respected for his austere lifestyle and blunt honesty, has remained an influential voice in national affairs, often offering counsel on governance and democracy. Supporters say his legacy lies not only in the offices he held, but in the values he championed throughout decades of public service.
The tributes, coming from across Nigeria’s political spectrum, underscore Akande’s enduring stature as a statesman whose impact continues to shape the country’s democratic discourse.
