Tinubu Reminds Buhari Of Past Election Losses In 82nd Birthday Message

In a birthday message to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, reflected on the latter's perseverance in his presidential aspirations.

President Tinubu, in the message made public by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that President Buhari's eventual success in the 2015 and 2019 elections was preceded by three unsuccessful bids in the 2003, 2007, and 2011 presidential elections.

President Tinubu recalled that Buhari contested and failed three before winning the 2015 and 2019 elections.

The message read, “Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to you on your 82nd Birthday.

“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone in Daura, we reflect on your years of dedicated service and leadership, which have significantly shaped the course of our nation.

"Your steadfast commitment to Nigeria's advancement and unity inspires many, and your enduring legacy continues to guide our nation's journey towards prosperity and stability.

“Your doggedness and resilience in contesting presidential elections in 2003, 2007, and 2011 before winning them in 2015 and 2019 also inspire us never to give up.”

“On this special day, may you be surrounded by the love of your family and friends and continue to enjoy good health, happiness, and fulfilment in all your endeavours, now and in the future.

“Happy Birthday, and thank you for your services to Nigeria. With respect and admiration,” he added.

Recall that Buhari after a chaotic reign as a military head of state in the 1980s, contested for the Presidency in 2003 on the platform of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP), and scored a total of 12,710,022 votes to secure second position as he was defeated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who pooled a total of 24,456,140 votes to win the election.

In 2007, Buhari contested for the Presidency again on the same ANPP against the late former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of the PDP and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the then Action Congress (AC) and over 10 other political parties.

Buhari also lost his second attempt in the presidential election that had disparity in the announced and the posted results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The then chairman, Maurice Iwu, had announced that the three key contestants in the election, Yar'Adua had 24,638,063 votes, while Buhari had 6,605,299 votes and Atiku had 2,637,848 votes.

However, the results INEC posted showed that Yar'Adua scored 24,784,227 votes, while Buhari scored 6,607,419 votes and Atiku scored 2,567,798 votes.

In 2011, Buhari contested again on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), against former President Goodluck Jonathan, a former Vice President to Yar’Adua who died before completing his first tenure; and former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, who contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Buhari, who scored 12,214,853 votes to secure second position in the election, again lost his third presidential attempt to Jonathan who scored a total of 22,495,187 votes to win the election.