Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Atiku, Peter Obi honour fallen Nigerian heroes

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s fallen and serving military personnel as the country marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

 

In separate messages shared on their X (formerly Twitter) handles on Thursday, both leaders commended the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of members of the Armed Forces, while calling on Nigerians to remain grateful for their service to the nation.

 

Atiku Abubakar, in a heartfelt message, said he joined millions of Nigerians in honouring the men and women who have defended the country, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of Nigeria’s freedom and unity.

 

“Today, my family and I join millions of Nigerians in solemn remembrance and deep gratitude to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.

 

We honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of our nation, and we salute those who continue to serve with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and unity of our country. Their selflessness, resilience, and patriotism stand as a constant reminder that our freedoms are secured by their devotion.

 

We say thank you for your service, and your sacrifice,” Atiku Abubakar wrote.

 

Also reflecting on the significance of the day, Peter Obi described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moment for national introspection and renewed commitment to building a country worthy of the sacrifices made by fallen heroes.

 

“On this solemn day of Armed Forces Remembrance, we honour those who have laid down their lives in service to our nation. This special annual event serves as a reminder for us to recommit ourselves to being a nation worthy of their sacrifice,” Obi stated.

 

The former Anambra State governor noted that the true legacy of fallen soldiers lives on in the peace and safety enjoyed by those they protected, stressing the need for purposeful leadership and compassion for bereaved families.

 

“We are told that a soldier’s true grave is not in the earth, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected—those who slept peacefully while their heroes stood guard. In the heat of the sun and the chill of the night, they stood at the frontlines for us.

 

Perhaps the most fitting honour we can bestow upon these heroes is to live lives that promote peace and progress. We must provide leadership that gives hope to the hopeless. For the families of these fallen heroes, today is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of an empty chair and a voice that is no longer heard. While we cannot fill that void, we want to assure you that their immense sacrifice was never in vain.

 

God bless our fallen heroes, and may their souls continue to rest in eternal honour,” Obi added.

 

Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually in Nigeria to honour fallen soldiers and appreciate the dedication of serving military personnel who continue to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.