President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences will not weaken the personal relationship they have maintained for decades.

In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a longtime associate whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and public service remain significant.

The President recalled that their political relationship began in 1992 when both served in the National Assembly, with Kwankwaso representing the House of Representatives and Tinubu serving as a senator.

Their relationship continued in 1999 when both men became governors of their respective states, Kano and Lagos.

Tinubu said they belonged to the group of governors who assumed office at the beginning of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and contributed to the development of the country’s democratic system.

He noted that their political paths later diverged because of differing political choices, but they reunited in 2013 to establish the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” the President said.

Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s record in public service, including his two terms as governor of Kano State, his tenure as Minister of Defence, his time as senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and his participation in presidential elections.

He also described the former governor as an influential political figure who has continued to play a role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The President acknowledged that they currently belong to different political parties and may contest against each other on separate platforms in the January 2027 general election.

However, he stressed that their political disagreements would not erase the personal bond they had developed over the years.

“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 active participation in Nigeria’s political and democratic affairs as he celebrates his 70th birthday.