Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has been honoured with the Nana Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award for his steadfast contribution to the promotion of democratic values and good governance across the African continent.
The award, presented at a high-level ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, was organised by the African Democratic Union (ADU) and brought together political leaders, policymakers, and development stakeholders committed to strengthening democracy on the continent.
In his acceptance speech, Saraki dedicated the honour to the late former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Odinga, describing him as “a true African patriot whose life embodied the ideals of unity, democracy, and reconciliation.”
> “I dedicate this award to the late Raila Odinga, whose relentless pursuit of justice and inclusivity inspired many of us. During one of my most challenging political periods, he reached out in the spirit of peace and bridge-building — values that remain essential to Africa’s democratic future,” Saraki said.
Presenting the award, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, in whose name the recognition was instituted, described Saraki’s honour as both “an encouragement and a responsibility.”
Akufo-Addo charged African leaders to prioritise institution-building over personal ambition, stressing that democracy must translate into tangible development outcomes for citizens.
> “The Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award is not a destination but a call to action,” he said. “True democracy builds schools that teach, hospitals that heal, and roads that connect. When governance fails to deliver, democracy’s credibility suffers.”
Earlier, Saraki delivered a keynote address at the forum themed “Navigating Africa’s Strategic Position in a Multipolar World: Towards Equitable and Mutually Beneficial Partnerships.”
He urged African governments to dismantle dependency structures and pursue policies centred on citizens’ welfare, inclusive growth, and innovation-driven economies.
Delegates and political figures across Africa described Saraki’s recognition as well-deserved, citing his long-standing advocacy for institutional reform, youth empowerment, and democratic accountability.
Jesmed F. Suma, National Chairman of the NGC Party in Sierra Leone, lauded Saraki’s “visionary insight on Africa’s economic transformation and democratic sustainability,” adding that his ideas align with the continent’s aspirations for inclusive governance.
Saraki’s tribute to Odinga and his keynote remarks received wide commendation in the Kenyan media, with many describing the moment as a celebration of pan-African solidarity and shared democratic ideals.
Other recipients of this year’s honour included Alonso Dhlakama, Rose Waruhiu, the late President Daniel arap Moi (represented by his son, Gideon Moi), Lutero Simango, Dr. Kizza Kifeefe, and Tundu Antiphas Lissu.
The event reaffirmed Africa’s enduring commitment to democratic values and its collective resolve to shape a future anchored on accountability, equity, and visionary leadership.
