President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, reflecting on their decades-long political relationship, shared role in Nigeria’s democratic journey and enduring personal affection despite their current political differences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, describing him as an influential politician whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development remain significant.
Tinubu conveyed his congratulations in a State House press release issued on Wednesday, October 21, reflecting on his longstanding relationship with Kwankwaso, which dates back to their time in the National Assembly in 1992.
The President recalled that while Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives, he was a member of the Senate, marking the beginning of a political association that continued when both men became governors in 1999.
According to Tinubu, their shared experience as members of the Class of ’99 Governors placed them among the political leaders who helped lay the foundations of Nigeria’s current democratic system.
He described their years of public service as an important part of their shared political history, despite the different paths their political careers subsequently followed.
The President noted that although their political choices differed for a period, their paths converged again in 2013 when they joined forces to establish the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu said their subsequent political journeys had remained connected through history and public service.
He also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria through his various positions, including two terms as governor, Minister of Defence, senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and presidential candidate.
Tinubu further recognised Kwankwaso’s current role as a presidential running mate, describing him as an influential figure and a progressive politician.
Despite their current political differences, Tinubu stressed that competing on separate political platforms would not diminish his personal regard for the former Kano governor.
“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,” the President said.
The statement underscores the distinction Tinubu drew between political competition and personal relationships, reflecting on their decades of association in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The President’s remarks also highlighted the history of cooperation between political figures who have, at different times, belonged to the same party or pursued separate political ambitions.
As Kwankwaso celebrates his 70th birthday, Tinubu wished him good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The congratulatory message marks another milestone in the relationship between two prominent Nigerian political figures whose careers have spanned legislative service, state administration and national politics.
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