As President Bola Tinubu congratulates former Kano State Governor, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, he has recalled some historical moments they have shared.
The President described him as an influential figure and progressive politician.
Tinubu said their political differences would not diminish his affection for Kwankwaso, in spite of their affiliation with different political parties ahead of the January 2027 elections.
The President stated this in a birthday message issued on Wednesday.
“My warm congratulations to my friend Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, one-time Minister of Defence and former Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, on his 70th birthday on October 21, 2026.”
Tinubu recalled their longstanding political association, dating back to their time in the National Assembly in 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives and he was a senator.
He said that their relationship continued in 1999 when they both emerged as 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.”
The President said their political paths diverged before converging again in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Shaped by different political choices, our political paths differed until we coalesced in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress. Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined.”
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria through his various political and public service roles.
“I must acknowledge Senator Kwankwaso’s immense contributions to Kano State and Nigeria as a two-term Governor, former Minister of Defence, former Senator, former presidential candidate, and now a presidential running mate.”
He reiterated his regard for the former governor in spite of their current political differences.
“Senator Kwankwaso remains 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.”
The President wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfillment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
