Former Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has warned that Nigeria faces grave danger and requires collective salvation to rescue the nation. Speaking at a colloquium in Abuja marking his 60th birthday, he urged citizens to unite beyond political divides. The event drew former presidents and leaders who reflected on the country's democratic challenges.
On January 10, 2026, in Abuja, a high-profile colloquium marked the 60th birthday of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State. Tambuwal used the occasion to deliver a sobering assessment of Nigeria's state, declaring the country in peril and in urgent need of national salvation.
"This is not where we expected to be. Those who laid the foundation of our democracy, some alive, many no longer living are not happy, even in their graves, with the current situation in Nigeria," Tambuwal said. He emphasized that the event focused on good governance rather than personal celebration, noting it was his first formal birthday observance. "It is not about me. It is not about merrymaking. It is about good governance and about finding a pathway for our country. Where we are today is unfortunate," he added.
Tambuwal called for collective acknowledgment of governance failures, transcending partisan lines. "The only way out is for all of us to agree that there is something fundamentally wrong with what we are doing as a country. Our nation is in peril, and we are in search of salvation. This is a collective process," he stated. He pledged renewed commitment to democratic ideals, vowing to work with like-minded Nigerians.
The gathering included prominent figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who praised Tambuwal's humility: "One thing that has made me admire him is his humility. Greatness without humility is hollow." Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in a message, commended his leadership despite past disagreements: "One thing I must give to Tambuwal is that members of the House believed so much in him. That shows leadership attributes that are lacking in many of us as politicians."
Former Senate President David Mark described Tambuwal as a "humble, dependable and trustworthy leader," calling him a son whose contributions to democracy are significant. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attended after cutting short a vacation, while Peter Obi urged reflection and caution. Prof. Attahiru Jega delivered a keynote on "The Future of Democratic Governance in Nigeria: Pathways to National Cohesion, Human Security and Economic Renewal."
Other attendees included Adams Oshiomhole, Aisha Binani, and Aminu Bello Masari. The event concluded with calls for unity and responsible leadership to address Nigeria's challenges.
