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Tinubu to Kwankwaso at 70: Political Differences Won’t Diminish My Affection for You
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences will not diminish his personal affection for the former Minister of Defence.
Tinubu made this known in a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in which he described Kwankwaso as a longtime friend and political associate whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development remain significant.
The President recalled that their relationship began in 1992 when both served in the National Assembly, with Kwankwaso representing Kano in the House of Representatives and Tinubu serving in the Senate.
According to him, their political 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,” Tinubu said.
He noted that their political paths later diverged due to different political choices before they reunited in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” the President added.
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, highlighting his service as a two-term governor, Minister of Defence, senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and presidential candidate.
He also recognised Kwankwaso’s influence in Nigerian politics, describing him as a prominent figure and progressive politician.
The President stressed that their membership of different political parties and participation on opposing platforms in the January 2027 election would not affect his personal relationship with the former Kano governor.
“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 service to Nigeria’s democratic process as he celebrated his 70th birthday.