By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose public service was defined by integrity and exemplary leadership.
The President’s congratulatory message, contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, 7 August, 2026 came as Makarfi clocked 70 on Saturday, 8 August, 2026, having previously served as Kaduna State Commissioner for Finance before becoming governor of the state, and later representing Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and serving as National Chairman of the PDP.
Tinubu described Makarfi as a quintessential public servant and statesman, and a perfect gentleman whose contributions to governance and national development had earned him respect across political divides, noting that he demonstrated commitment to democratic ideals, prudent management of public resources and policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians throughout his public service career.
The President also commended the former governor for his civility in politics, calm disposition and commitment to dialogue and national cohesion, describing the qualities as virtues worthy of emulation by younger generations of leaders.
He thanked Almighty Allah for Makarfi’s life of service and accomplishment, describing his contributions to Kaduna State and the nation as an enduring testament to purposeful leadership, and prayed that he would be granted many more years in good health, strength, wisdom and peace as he continued to contribute his experience to the service of Nigeria and humanity.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Saturday, also congratulated Makarfi on his 70th birthday, describing his contributions to Kaduna and Nigeria as significant, in a statement issued the same day.
Sani said Makarfi had devoted a substantial part of his life to the service of Kaduna State and the country, noting that his tenure as governor remained an important chapter in the state’s history, particularly because of his approach to leadership during a challenging period.
The Governor said Makarfi demonstrated that leadership went beyond exercising authority and involved listening, building bridges, accommodating differences and finding common ground, further praising his commitment to dialogue, inclusion, respect for diversity and accessible governance, which he said contributed to strengthening community relations in the state.
Sani said the respect Makarfi continued to command across ethnic, religious and political divides reflected the impact of his years in public service, noting that Kaduna’s ongoing pursuit of peace, security, inclusion and prosperity was part of a continuum built on the contributions of previous leaders.
He described Makarfi’s life of public service as an inspiration to younger generations, saying his career demonstrated how public office could leave a lasting legacy when anchored in humility, courage and commitment to the common good, and prayed for his sound health, renewed strength, wisdom and many more years of fulfilment in the service of humanity, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
Makarfi served as Kaduna State Governor from 1999 to 2007, later represented Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, and served as Chairman of the PDP’s Caretaker Committee during a period of crisis in the opposition party.
