A former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimosho Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Hon (Prince) Bisi Yusuf, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a statesman, a democrat and a builder of institutions as he mark his 74th birthday on Sunday, March 29.
Yusuf, who doubles as the Director General of the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027 (GMT), said in a statement titled, “Birthday Tribute to President Bola Tinubu,” that history does not remember those who waited for change, but that it remembers those who created it.
The former lawmaker said, “Nigerian citizens mark the 74th birthday of Bola Tinubu, it is impossible to reflect on the trajectory of our democracy without acknowledging the profound imprint of a man whose life has become inseparable from Nigeria’s political evolution.”
According to him, some leaders inherit moments, others create them, but President Tinubu belongs to the rare class of leaders whose courage and conviction helped shape the course of national history.
“From the trenches of pro-democracy activism to the pinnacle of national leadership, his journey reflects a lifetime devoted to the advancement of democratic ideals, institutional strength, and national development.
“A democrat in the days of uncertainty, Nigeria’s democratic journey was neither smooth nor guaranteed.
“During the dark era that followed the annulment of the historic 1993 presidential election, courageous voices emerged to challenge authoritarian rule and demand the restoration of democratic governance.
“Among those voices was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he stood firmly among those who refused to allow the dream of democracy to be extinguished.
“In the face of persecution and political intimidation, he chose the path of resistance, even when it meant exile,” the Alimosho apex leader said.
He added that this period was not simply a chapter in his political career, it was a defining test of conviction.
Yusuf said that Tinubu was the architect of modern Lagos State in 1999 with the return of democracy as he assumed office as Governor of the state, inheriting a city weighed down by enormous administrative and financial challenges.
“Yet within those challenges, he saw possibility. Through bold fiscal reforms, institutional restructuring, and visionary governance, his administration initiated a transformation that would redefine Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat and one of Africa’s most vibrant economic hubs.
“More importantly, he built systems and empowered leaders whose influence would extend far beyond his tenure,” he added.
According to him, true leadership is not measured merely by policies enacted, but by institutions strengthened and successors empowered.
He said that the President is a builder of political bridges “as Nigeria’s complex political terrain requires more than ambition, it demands strategy, patience and the ability to bring diverse forces together.”
He said that few have demonstrated this ability more effectively than Asiwaju Tinubu.
The GMT Director added that the President’s role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) marked one of the most consequential political realignments in Nigeria’s democratic history.
He said that the coalition united diverse political interests and reshaped the national political landscape.
According to him, the result was a historic democratic transition that reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional governance.
Yusuf further said that Tinubu’s long journey of political influence and national service culminated in his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said that as the nation’s leader, Tinubu carries the enormous responsibility of steering a country of more than 200 million people through complex economic and social realities.
The party leader said leadership at such a moment demands courage.
“Not the quiet courage of comfort, but the difficult courage of reform, sacrifice, and long-term vision..It is this courage that has defined his leadership for decades.
“The man behind the titles often obscure the human story behind them.
“But those who have known Asiwaju closely understand that his influence lies not merely in political power, but in an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential.
“To many, he is the Jagaban, a political strategist of remarkable foresight. To others, he is a mentor who has nurtured generations of leaders across the nation.
“But above all, he remains a man driven by the conviction that Nigeria’s greatness lies within reach if only we possess the courage to pursue it,” he said.
According to him, “A legacy is still being written. At 74, many men would retreat into quiet reflection, yet Bola Tinubu continues to shoulder the enormous responsibilities of national leadership with determination and resilience.”
Yusuf said that “Tinubu’s story reminded us that leadership was not merely about the offices one occupies, it is about the history one helps to shape and in the unfolding story of Nigeria’s democracy, the name Bola Ahmed Tinubu will forever occupy a significant chapter.”
Yusuf said that on this special occasion of the President’s 74th birthday, he joined millions of “Nigerians and admirers across the world in celebrating a statesman whose life has been defined by courage, vision, and service.”
“Mr President, your journey continues to inspire. May the Almighty grant you renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of impactful leadership. Happy 74th Birthday. Nigeria celebrates you,” Yusuf said.
