President Bola Tinubu has described former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as an influential figure and a progressive politician, declaring that their membership of different political parties will not diminish his affection for him.
The President made the remarks in a goodwill message marking Kwankwaso’s 70th birthday on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Tinubu, who called the former Defence Minister “my friend,” said the two men are set to compete on different platforms in the January 2027 election, but insisted that the rivalry would not change his regard for the celebrant.
He traced their relationship to 1992, when both served in the National Assembly, with Kwankwaso in the House of Representatives and himself in the Senate. Their paths crossed again in 1999, when each was elected governor of his state.
According to the President, as members of the Class of ‘99 Governors, they played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for the democracy the country enjoys today.
Tinubu noted that political choices later took them in separate directions, until they came together in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said history and service have kept their paths intertwined since then.
The President also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and the nation as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former senator, former presidential candidate and now a presidential running mate.
Tinubu wished the former governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process as he marks the milestone.
