Former Senate President of Nigeria Bukola Saraki received the prestigious Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award in Nairobi, Kenya.
The African Democratic Union (ADU) presented the award in recognition of Saraki’s records as a champion of democracy and good governance in Africa.
During his acceptance speech, Saraki dedicated the honour to the recently deceased Kenyan opposition figure and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, recognizing him as an “African patriot” who had mediated on his behalf in the past.
The award, named after former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, is a continental recognition of institution-building, constitutional order, and effective governance in Africa. The event in Nairobi brought together influential figures from center-right political parties, parliamentarians, and policy leaders.
Saraki, a prominent Nigerian political figure, has previously held positions as Governor of Kwara State and President of the Nigerian Senate.
Former President Akufo-Addo stressed the high standard expected of the recipient;
The road is the daily work of building institutions that outlast leaders… Use democracy to deliver schools that teach, clinics that heal, roads that connect, jobs that dignify, because when services fail, democracy’s credibility suffers
While Saraki is honored for his democratic record, his political career in Nigeria has been marked by challenges and periods of opposition, particularly during his tenure as Senate President.
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