By AbdulAziz Na’ibi Abubakar
Age is no barrier to transformative leadership when paired with experience, vitality, and vision. Global leaders who served or are serving at age 77 or older, such as Ronald Reagan and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have left indelible marks of progress through economic reforms, social advancements, and diplomatic triumphs. Atiku Abubakar, at 78, embodies these same qualities, positioning him as a potential beacon of hope for Nigeria.
This article celebrates elderly presidents who excelled and highlights how Atiku’s proven track record and dynamic leadership align with their legacies, offering a promising future for Nigeria.
Elderly Presidents Who Shone: Below is a list of presidents who served at age 77 or older and are celebrated for their impactful contributions to governance, economic reform, or diplomacy:
– United States: Ronald Reagan, 77 at end of term (1989)
Performance: “Reaganomics” slashed inflation from 13.5% to 4.1% and drove 3.5% annual GDP growth. His diplomacy with the Soviet Union eased Cold War tensions, bolstering U.S. global influence.
– Brazil: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 79, current (2025)
Performance: Bolsa Família reduced poverty from 26% to 14% (2003–2010). His current term cut Amazon deforestation by 50% (2024), advancing social and environmental equity.
– Namibia: Nangolo Mbumba, 82, current (2025)
Performance: Promotes stability, education, and green energy (e.g., hydrogen projects), strengthening regional peace in the Southern African Development Community. Côte d’Ivoire:
– Alassane Ouattara, 82, current (2025)
Performance: Achieved 8% annual GDP growth (2012–2019), stabilizing Côte d’Ivoire with infrastructure like Abidjan’s urban projects.
Algeria: Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, current (2025)
Performance: Pursued constitutional reforms and anti-corruption measures, stabilizing Algeria and advancing economic diversification.
– Greece: Karolos Papoulias, 85 at end of term (2015)
Performance: Unified Greece during the 2009–2015 economic crisis, strengthening EU ties with his diplomatic expertise.
– Portugal: Mário Soares, 77 during term (1986–1996)
Performance: Guided Portugal into the EU
Atiku Abubakar: Nigeria’s Visionary Leader at 78 Atiku Abubakar, at 78, stands ready to lead Nigeria with the same vigor, experience, and vision that defined these global icons. His remarkable health, proven leadership, and forward-thinking policies align him with the likes of Reagan and Lula, offering Nigeria a path to prosperity.
Health and Vitality Atiku’s energy at 78 rivals that of Lula (79) and Ouattara (82). His active 2023 campaign, including launching the PDP Youth Council, reflects a vigor akin to Reagan’s at 77, proving he can meet the demands of leadership with dynamism.
Experience As Vice President (1999–2007), Atiku spearheaded telecom reforms, boosting mobile penetration from 0.4% to 30%, creating millions of jobs. His founding of the American University of Nigeria and ventures like Intels Nigeria Limited showcase his administrative prowess. His 2023 5-point agenda, focusing on economic revival, security, and federalism mirrors Lula’s social reforms and Soares’ democratic vision, equipping him to transform Nigeria.
Capability for Good Governance Atiku’s commitment to youth inclusion (60% cabinet roles for youth and women) and national unity echoes Lula’s social programs and Papoulias’ cohesion efforts. His economic achievements parallel Ouattara’s infrastructure-driven growth, positioning him to tackle Nigeria’s challenges, such as unemployment (33% in 2023), with bold, inclusive policies.
Comparative Strengths – Vision and Resilience: Atiku’s persistent campaigns and policy clarity reflect Lula’s triumphant return and Reagan’s economic foresight, signaling his dedication to Nigeria’s future.
– Economic Expertise: His telecom reforms align with Ouattara’s economic successes, making him ideal to drive Nigeria’s diversification from oil dependency.
– Unifying Leadership: Like Koivisto and Papoulias, Atiku’s focus on unity can bridge Nigeria’s ethnic and religious divides, fostering national cohesion.
Presidents like Reagan, Lula, and others demonstrate that age, when paired with experience and vitality, fuels extraordinary leadership.
Atiku Abubakar, at 78, embodies their vigor and vision. His telecom reforms, youth-focused policies, and unity agenda position him to emulate Lula’s social progress or Ouattara’s economic growth, promising a legacy of stability, prosperity, and progress for Nigeria. With Atiku’s leadership, Nigeria stands on the cusp of a transformative era.
