15 years on: PDP, Saraki remember Yar’Adua, hail reforms

The Peoples Democratic Party and a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, have paid tributes to the late former president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua fifteen years after his passing.

PDP and Saraki hailed Yar’adua’s integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to national unity.

In a message posted on X on Monday, the PDP — the party that gave Yar’Adua the platform to serve as Nigeria’s president from 2007 until his death while in office in 2010 — described him as “a leader of integrity, humility, and vision.”

The statement read, “Fifteen years on, Nigeria still mourns one of its finest — and I still remember a friend whose quiet wisdom helped shape my understanding of service.

“President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua led with conviction, not commotion.”

Saraki led a chorus of remembrance for a man many still describe as one of Nigeria’s most honourable leaders.

“He listened more than he spoke — and when he did speak, it was with purpose, not politics.

“His legacy reminds us that leadership is not about power, but about duty, humility, and justice.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to grant him a place among the righteous in Al Jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” he prayed.

Also, the PDP, under whose platform Yar’Adua was elected president in 2007, paid homage to his enduring legacy in a solemn message shared on X.

Reflecting on his time in office, the party wrote, “Today, we honour the memory of our former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a leader of integrity, humility, and vision.”

PDP lauds reforms

Described as a president who led with calm strength and deep conviction, Yar’Adua’s presidency was marked by quiet but meaningful reforms, particularly in the areas of electoral transparency and conflict resolution in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

His leadership style stood in contrast to the loud theatrics of politics, earning him respect across partisan lines.

The party’s message further read, “His commitment to Nigeria’s unity, electoral reform, and peace in the Niger Delta remains an enduring legacy.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and his values continue to inspire ethical governance. #YarAdua15.”

Yar’Adua, born on August 16, 1951, served as president from 2007 until his death on May 5, 2010, after a protracted illness.

His passing marked a significant moment, as widely reported, in Nigeria’s democratic journey, as then-Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in to complete the term.

Beyond his own presidency, Umaru was also the younger brother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua — a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters under General Obasanjo (1976–1979) and a key figure in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement during the military era.

The Yar’Adua family, is often regarded as one of the most politically influential in northern Nigeria.

This year’s anniversary comes barely eight months after the death of their mother, Hajia Aya Dada Yar’adua who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 102.

Source: Punch