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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences will not diminish his affection for the former presidential candidate.
Tinubu, in a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, recalled their long-standing political relationship, which dates back to their days in the National Assembly in 1992 and their emergence as governors in 1999.
The President acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his record in public service, describing him as an influential figure and a progressive politician.
“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 said.
The President noted that although their political paths had diverged over the years, they reunited in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said had kept their political histories and public service intertwined.
Recalling their time as members of the Class of ’99 governors, Tinubu said both men played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for the democracy the country enjoys today.
Kwankwaso, who represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Senate, previously served as governor of Kano State for two terms and as Minister of Defence. He was also a presidential candidate and is now a presidential running mate.
Tinubu acknowledged these roles as part of Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and the country.
Despite their current political differences ahead of the January 2027 election, the President said his relationship with the former governor transcended party affiliations and electoral competition.
He wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process as he marked the milestone birthday.
