President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday congratulated former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, saying their friendship has remained strong despite years of political competition and differences.
The President described Kwankwaso as an experienced statesman and influential politician whose contributions to Kano State and the country have left a lasting impact.
In a birthday message, Tinubu said he and Kwankwaso had known each other for over three decades, recalling that they first served together in the National Assembly before both became governors in 1999.
“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 said.
He noted that their political journey began in 1992 when Kwankwaso was a member of the House of Representatives while he served in the Senate.
“Senator Kwankwaso and I have had a longstanding association, dating back to our time in the National Assembly in 1992, he in the House of Representatives and I in the Senate, and later in 1999 when we both emerged as governors of our respective states.”
The President said both men, alongside other governors elected in 1999, played important roles in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy after the return to civilian rule.
“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 although they later belonged to different political camps, they reunited in 2013 during the formation of 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.”
The President commended Kwankwaso’s record of public service, saying he had served Nigeria in several key positions.
“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 further described the former Kano governor as “an influential figure and a progressive politician.”
Tinubu also stressed that the coming January 2027 presidential election would not affect the cordial relationship between them.
“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, fulfilment and many more years of service to the nation.
“As the former governor marks this milestone, I wish him good health, personal fulfilment, and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process.