Tinubu Celebrates Kwankwaso at 70, Says Political Differences Won’t Affect Their Bond
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, saying their political differences will not affect his personal affection for the former minister.
Tinubu’s birthday message was issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, according to the report.
The President recalled that his relationship with Kwankwaso dates back to 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives while Tinubu was a senator. Their political association continued in 1999, when both men became 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 also recalled their involvement in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, following years in which their political paths had taken different directions.
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” the President added.
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, citing his record as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former senator and presidential candidate. He also described the former governor as an influential figure in Nigerian politics.
Despite their current political differences, Tinubu said their relationship remained important to him. The President and Kwankwaso are affiliated with different political parties as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of contributing to Nigeria’s democratic process as he celebrates his 70th birthday on October 21, 2026.