ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences would not diminish his personal affection for the former Minister of Defence.
Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a longtime friend and political associate whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development remain significant, despite their political differences and competing interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President conveyed his birthday message in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, ahead of Kwankwaso’s milestone celebration.
Recalling their longstanding relationship, Tinubu said their political association dated back to 1992, when both men served in the National Assembly, with Kwankwaso as a member of the House of Representatives and Tinubu in the Senate.
Their relationship continued in 1999 when they became governors of Kano and Lagos states, respectively.
“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.
The President noted that their political paths subsequently diverged because of different political choices before they reunited politically in 2013 to help form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined, he added.
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, highlighting his political career, including his two terms as governor, service as Minister of Defence, representation of Kano Central Senatorial District in the Senate and presidential candidacy.
He also recognised Kwankwaso’s influence in Nigeria’s political landscape and described him as a progressive politician.
Despite their political differences, Tinubu maintained that their personal relationship would remain unaffected by their participation on competing political platforms.
“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 stated.
Birthday Message Amid 2027 Political Calculations
The President’s message comes amid political realignments and preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and influential figures positioning themselves for the contest.
Kwankwaso remains a prominent political figure, particularly in Kano, where his political movement has maintained a considerable presence.
Tinubu concluded his message by wishing the former governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The birthday message highlights the distinction between political rivalry and personal relationships, as former allies navigate Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
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