President Bola Tinubu has assured former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that their political differences will not affect their personal relationship as he congratulated him on his 70th birthday.
Tinubu said he had maintained a longstanding relationship with Kwankwaso since their days in the National Assembly in 1992.
He also recalled their shared experience as governors elected in 1999 and their role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
In a birthday message he personally issued on Wednesday, the president described Kwankwaso as a friend and progressive politician who had made significant contributions to Kano State and Nigeria.
Tinubu recalled that Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives while he was a senator in 1992. Their political association continued in 1999 when both men became governors of their respective states.
According to the president, they were members of the Class of ’99 governors who played important roles in laying the foundation for the country’s current democratic system.
Tinubu said their political paths diverged because of different political choices before they reunited in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” he said.
The president acknowledged Kwankwaso’s record in public service, including his two terms as governor of Kano State, his tenure as Minister of Defence, his time in the Senate and his participation in previous presidential elections.
He also recognised Kwankwaso’s current role as a vice-presidential candidate ahead of the January 2027 general election.
Describing the former Kano governor as an influential political figure, Tinubu said their membership of different parties would not diminish his personal affection for him.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Kwankwaso is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Peter Obi as the party’s presidential candidate for the January 2027 election.
Earlier, Peter Obi, also congratulated Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi described Kwankwaso as an accomplished public servant, a dear elder brother and a partner committed to serving Nigerians.
Obi reflected on their longstanding relationship and shared commitment to building a better country, noting that Kwankwaso’s career had spanned the legislature, the Federal Executive Council, the Kano State governorship and national politics.
“With the passage of time, I have come to deeply appreciate the bond between us, the many conversations we have shared, and the common commitment to Nigeria that continues to shape our service.
“Your path through the legislature, the Federal Executive Council, the governorship of Kano State, and national public life represents decades of experience, duty, and meaningful engagement with the Nigerian people.
“Turning seventy is not merely a significant milestone; it is a moment to look back with gratitude on a life devoted to service, the wisdom gained through experience, and the opportunities that remain ahead,” Obi wrote.
He expressed hope for a Nigeria where every child has access to opportunities, families are free from poverty and citizens can live with dignity, security and hope.
Obi also prayed for Kwankwaso’s good health, wisdom and renewed strength, wishing him many more productive years.