The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ajibola Basiru, has paid glowing tributes to the party’s pioneer Interim National Chairman, Chief Adebisi Akande, on the occasion of his 87th birthday.
In a congratulatory message issued to mark the milestone, Dr. Basiru described the former Osun State Governor as an unblemished icon of the Progressives whose political trajectory has remained consistent since his early days as a disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Basiru noted that Akande’s loyalty to the progressive ideology is rare in the Nigerian political landscape, commending him for never abandoning the fold regardless of the challenges or changes in the political environment.
“Baba Akande is an unparalleled model for the Progressives,” Basiru stated. “He has stood as the rock of Gibraltar behind the party despite its metamorphosis necessitating a change in nomenclature.”
The APC Scribe extolled Akande’s legendary financial discipline and administrative prudence.
He highlighted that despite holding sensitive public offices ranging from Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Deputy Governor in the old Oyo State to becoming the Governor of Osun State, Akande remained an altruistic politician.
“He is a Spartan who has lived a selfless life despite early exposure to the treasury,” Basiru added.
On a personal note, the APC National Secretary acknowledged the pivotal role the elder statesman played in his own political evolution.
“I cannot, in a hurry, forget the roles Baba has played in my personal life and political career. He nurtured me from being a political foliage to what I am today. I owe Baba a lot,” he noted.
Basiru further emphasised Akande’s critical contributions to the nation’s return to democracy and his historic role in bringing the Progressives to the national limelight as the interim Chairman of the APC.
He stressed that even after leaving the chairmanship position, Akande has remained a stabilizing force, never exhibiting disinterestedness in the party’s affairs.
While saluting Akande in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, Basiru prayed for longevity for the octogenarian.
“Today, as always, I celebrate Baba as he inches towards joining the nonagenarian club. I pray God grant him more glorious years on earth so we can drink more from his fountain of intellectual endowment,” the statement concluded.
