President Bola Tinubu has congratulated elder statesman and retired Lt. Gen. Alani Ipoola Akinrinade on his 87th birthday, highlighting his military career and involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.

Akinrinade marked his 87th birthday on October 3, 2026. The Presidency said Tinubu described the former military officer as a statesman and patriot whose career included senior leadership positions in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Akinrinade served as Chief of Army Staff and later Chief of Defence Staff before retiring from the military. He also became associated with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for the restoration of democratic rule and the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

In his birthday message, Tinubu praised Akinrinade's contributions to Nigeria and described his participation in the pro-democracy movement as an important part of his public life.

The President said Akinrinade continued to contribute to national affairs as an elder statesman, particularly through what he described as his experience and commitment to national unity.

Tinubu also wished the retired general good health, peace and many more years of service and impact.

Akinrinade's military career spanned some of the most significant periods in Nigeria's history. His service included the Nigerian Civil War, after which he rose through the ranks to become one of the country's senior military commanders.

The Presidency's message also recalled his role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy following the annulment of the June 12 election and the political crisis that followed.

In a separate birthday message, Tinubu congratulated Abubakar Kabir Bichi, the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, who turned 45 on October 3.

Bichi currently chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, one of the National Assembly's key committees because of its role in examining and processing the country's annual budget.

Tinubu commended the lawmaker's legislative activities and his representation of his constituency, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure and youth empowerment. These assessments were contained in the President's birthday message.

Bichi was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2019. He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Works during the Ninth Assembly before becoming Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the Tenth Assembly.

The President urged Bichi to remain focused on his legislative responsibilities and continued service to his constituents and Nigeria.

Tinubu also prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the Kano lawmaker as he begins another year.

The two birthday messages reflect the President's recognition of figures from different stages of Nigeria's public life, with Akinrinade representing a generation of military and pro-democracy leadership and Bichi serving in the current National Assembly.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia