Former Senate President of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been honoured with the Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to democratic governance, political reform, and public accountability across the African continent.
The prestigious award was presented to Saraki in Nairobi, Kenya, during a grand ceremony organised by the African Democratic Union (ADU).
The event brought together leading figures from Centre-Right political parties, policymakers, business executives, academics, parliamentarians, and development partners, all gathered to explore strategies for strengthening democracy and sustainable development in Africa.
Presenting the award, former President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, after whom the award is named, described it as both an honour and a challenge for the recipient to remain steadfast in advancing democracy and improving the welfare of African citizens.
“I am deeply humbled by the honour of having this award bear my name,” Akufo-Addo said, adding, “But let us remember this recognition is not an end in itself.
”It is a reminder of our duty to defend constitutional order, safeguard the integrity of the ballot, and build institutions that outlast leaders.
”True democracy must translate into schools that educate, clinics that heal, and jobs that dignify. When services fail, democracy’s credibility suffers”, he added.
He urged the awardees to focus on building lasting institutions and genuine partnerships that strengthen governance across borders, saying, “Let us leave Nairobi with fewer promises and more plans, fewer declarations and more execution.”
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Saraki expressed deep gratitude to the ADU leadership, led by Ms. Louisa Atta-Agyemang, for considering him worthy of the honour among many notable Africans.
He dedicated the award to Kenyan statesman and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025.
“I dedicate this award to my dear brother, Raila Odinga, a true African patriot whose vision and courage inspired many of us.
“During some of my most difficult political moments, he reached out, mediating in the spirit of brotherhood and reconciliation.
”His legacy will continue to guide us as we pursue the ideals of democracy and justice across the continent, ” he said.
The former Senate President also delivered the keynote address at the ADU Forum earlier in the week, titled “Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships.”
His speech challenged African leaders to dismantle structures of dependency and harness the continent’s potential to improve living standards through homegrown policies and inclusive governance.
Saraki’s recognition drew applause from several parliamentarians and dignitaries present.
Hon. Jesmed F. Suma, National Chairman of the NGC Party in Sierra Leone, praised Saraki’s insights, noting that “his remarks on rethinking Africa’s governance and economic systems perfectly aligned with our shared goal of building sustainable pathways to prosperity.”
The dedication to Odinga and Saraki’s eloquent call for a united, self-reliant Africa were widely reported in the Kenyan media and resonated across East Africa.
Other recipients of the Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award included Hon. Alonso Marceta Dhlakama, Hon. Rose Waruhiu, the late President Daniel Arap Moi (whose award was received by his son, Gideon Moi), Hon. Lutero Chimbirombiro Simango, Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifeefe, and Hon. Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu.
The event underscored a renewed continental commitment to deepening democratic values, fostering responsible leadership, and building stronger institutions capable of securing Africa’s collective progress.
