President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences would not diminish his affection for him.
The president’s message was released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a longtime political associate, recalling that their relationship began in the National Assembly in 1992.
At the time, Kwankwaso was a member of the House of Representatives, while Tinubu served as a senator. Their relationship continued in 1999 when both men became governors of their respective states.
“As members of the Class of ’99 Governors, we both played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for the democracy the nation enjoys today,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that their political paths later diverged before they reunited in 2013 to help establish the All Progressives Congress.
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” he said.
Tinubu commended Kwankwaso for his contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, highlighting his record as a two term governor, former Minister of Defence, former senator and presidential candidate.
The president also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s influence on Nigeria’s political landscape.
Despite their current political differences and plans to contest on separate platforms in the January 2027 election, Tinubu maintained that their relationship remained significant.
“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.
He wished the former Kano governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of contributing to Nigeria’s democracy.
