President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the steadfastness and commitment to party unity of Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Femi Sanni, as he celebrates his birthday.
In a birthday message, President Tinubu described Sanni as an “outstanding party man” and praised him for remaining committed to the APC despite failing to secure the party’s governorship ticket at the last primary election.
Sanni had contested the APC governorship primary but, unlike some aspirants who abandoned the party after losing out, he remained within the APC and continued to contribute to its growth and progressive ideals. His decision has drawn renewed attention to the difference between accepting the outcome of an internal contest and leaving the party when personal ambitions are not realised.
President Tinubu also praised Sanni’s contributions to engineering, private-sector development, community leadership and the growth of the APC, describing him as a professional of good breeding who continues to contribute to the development of Nigeria and Kwara State.
“I extend my good wishes to Femi Sanni on the occasion of his birthday today. He is an outstanding party man and a professional of good breeding who continues to contribute to the development of our country and Kwara State,” the President said.
The President’s message also comes against the backdrop of concerns over individuals who, after failing to secure party tickets or achieve their political ambitions, turn against the APC they once sought to represent. Within the APC, such actions have increasingly been viewed as contrary to the President’s commitment to building a strong, united and enduring party. Tinubu, according to party loyalists, is not pleased with those whose actions could weaken, undermine or seek to destroy the APC from within or from outside.
By highlighting Sanni’s continued loyalty after losing the governorship ticket, the President’s message offers a pointed contrast between politicians who accept the outcome of internal contests and remain committed to the APC, and those who respond to electoral setbacks by abandoning the APC.
Sanni has continued to identify with the APC and contribute to its activities despite not securing the governorship ticket, reinforcing the broader political message that losing a primary does not necessarily mean losing one’s place in the political family. For party leaders, loyalty, discipline and commitment to the collective interest remain important measures of political character.
President Tinubu wished Sanni good health and many more impactful years of service to humanity, while his recognition of Sanni’s steadfastness has further drawn attention to the contrasting choices made by political aspirants following party primaries.