President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, assuring him that their political differences would not affect their longstanding relationship.
Tinubu conveyed his goodwill in a birthday message issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, recalling that their political association dated back to 1992, when Kwankwaso was a member of the House of Representatives and he served in the Senate.
The President said their relationship continued in 1999 when both emerged as governors of their respective states, describing their contributions as members of the Class of ’99 Governors as significant to the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system.
He also recalled that both politicians came together in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that their shared political history and public service had continued to connect them despite subsequent differences.
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and the country, citing his service as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former senator and presidential candidate. He also described him as an influential figure in Nigerian politics.
Despite their current political differences and their participation on separate platforms ahead of the January 2027 election, Tinubu maintained that their relationship transcended party affiliations.
“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.
Tinubu wished the former Kano governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process as he celebrates his milestone birthday on October 21, 2026.
