President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday congratulated a elder statesman and founding interim chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, on his 78th birthday.

Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman Femi Adesina, affirmed that “Akande’s present role in the APC as a strong, visionary leader, a reconciling voice, strategist and stabiliser has paid up substantially in the enormous challenge of healing the ruling party, and the country.”

The president joined all members of the APC, friends and immediate family “of the eminent leader in celebrating the former governor of Osun State, 1999-2003, who had meritoriously served as deputy governor of Oyo State (1979-1983).”

Buhari described Akande as “one of the pillars of the opposition party that successfully ensured a round victory and smooth transition to unseat an incumbent president in 2015.”

The president expressed belief that Akande’s wisdom, sacrifices, patriotism as well as commitment to the unity and development of Nigeria would always be remembered by posterity.

He extolled Akande’s “passionate and relentless” efforts in ensuring the entrenchment democracy in Nigeria and the sustenance of the rule of law.

President Buhari prayed that Almighty God grant Akande longer life, more strength and wisdom “to continue serving the country he loves and humanity.”