A rare gathering of Nigeria’s political heavyweights took place on Saturday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and several other prominent Nigerians converged in Bauchi to celebrate the 70th birthday of former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.
The high-profile event, which also drew the presence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, signalled a moment of reflection, unity, and political nostalgia.
Atiku, who served as Vice President under Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, described Mu’azu as a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Reflecting on their time in office, Atiku noted that Mu’azu was instrumental in laying the groundwork for good governance and economic reforms driven by the private sector.
Posting via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku wrote:
“Yesterday, I joined my boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with many other prominent Nigerian leaders, in paying tribute to Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, former governor of Bauchi State and one-time National Chairman of the PDP, who turned 70.”
He continued: “as Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, I worked with Mu’azu and other governors who served within that period to lay the foundation for good governance and a private sector-led economic growth for Nigeria. I used the occasion to congratulate Mu’azu and wish him many more years in good health and vitality.”
Although the event was organized to honour Mu’azu, observers say the convergence of key political figures, some of whom have been at ideological odds in recent years, may hint at behind-the-scenes dialogue or alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, who governed Bauchi State between 1999 and 2007, later became National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014, playing a central role during the party’s transition phase before the 2015 elections.
The celebration was held amidst tight security and a carnival-like atmosphere in Bauchi, with several governors, party chieftains, royal fathers, and members of the diplomatic corps also in attendance.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the occasion served not only as a milestone celebration for the PDP chieftain but also as a rare opportunity for political leaders across divides to reconnect.
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