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• NDC, Dickson reaffirm Obi–Kwankwaso partnership
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his political differences with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), will not diminish his affection for the former Kano State governor, despite their competing interests in the January 2027 presidential election.
His declaration came as the NDC and its national leader, Seriake Dickson, celebrated Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, reaffirming their confidence in his partnership with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In a congratulatory message issued yesterday, Tinubu recalled his longstanding political relationship with Kwankwaso, dating back to their days in the National Assembly in 1992 and their emergence as governors in 1999.
The President acknowledged the former governor’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and public service, describing him as an influential political figure whose achievements transcended partisan considerations.
“That we are in different political parties and competing on different platforms in the January 2027 election will not remove my affection for Senator Kwankwaso.”
Tinubu recalled that although their political paths had diverged over the years, they reunited in 2013 to participate in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which subsequently emerged as the ruling party.
He said their political histories remained intertwined through decades of public service, political association and participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Reflecting on their membership of the Class of ‘99 governors, Tinubu said both men played important roles in laying the foundation for the country’s present democratic dispensation.
Kwankwaso served two terms as governor of Kano State and also held office as Minister of Defence and senator representing Kano Central. He was previously a presidential candidate before emerging as Obi’s running mate on the NDC platform.
Tinubu acknowledged these roles as part of Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and the country, maintaining that their current political competition would not erase their longstanding relationship.
He wished the former governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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Meanwhile, the NDC described Kwankwaso as a dependable partner in its quest to win the 2027 presidential election, praising his political experience, grassroots following and commitment to the party’s objectives.
The party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses, and its national leader, Henry Dickson, separately congratulated the former governor, highlighting his record in public service and contributions to the Obi–Kwankwaso presidential ticket.
In a congratulatory message, Moses described Kwankwaso as a symbol of courage, service and people-centred leadership.
“At 70, you remain a towering symbol of courage, selfless service, progressive politics, and people-centred leadership,” the party said.
It maintained that Kwankwaso had demonstrated through his political career that public office could be used to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
The party also credited him with bringing experience, loyalty and grassroots appeal to its presidential campaign.
“As our Vice Presidential Candidate, you have brought uncommon energy, loyalty, capacity, and grassroots appeal to the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket. You are a dependable partner in our collective quest to rescue Nigeria and birth a New Nigeria that works for all,” the statement said.
Similarly, Dickson, in a birthday message titled “70 Salvos for His Excellency, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” praised the celebrant’s record in public service, including his tenure as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, governor of Kano State and Minister of Defence.
The former Bayelsa State governor said Kwankwaso’s commitment to Nigeria had inspired generations, adding that his membership of the NDC and partnership with Obi had strengthened confidence among supporters of the opposition party.
“Your membership of our great party, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, and partnership with His Excellency Peter Obi in the presidential race has drawn more of our people into believing in the possibility of a new Nigeria where everyone is safe, prosperous, and nobody is oppressed,” Dickson said.
He wished Kwankwaso good health, peace, joy and renewed strength, expressing hope that the years ahead would provide further opportunities for service to the country.
Moses also prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for the former governor as he marked his 70th birthday.
