President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, highlighting their longstanding political relationship and shared role in Nigeria’s democratic development.
President Tinubu conveyed his congratulations in a statement issued by the State House on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, describing Kwankwaso as an influential politician whose contributions to Kano State and Nigeria spanned several decades.
Tinubu recalled that their relationship dated back to 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives and he was a member of the Senate.
He also noted that both men became governors of their respective states in 1999 and belonged to the group commonly known as the Class of '99 Governors.
According to the President, they later worked together in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, despite having followed different political paths earlier in their careers.
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso's service as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, former senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and presidential candidate.
He also referred to Kwankwaso's role as a presidential running mate, although the statement did not specify the election in that reference.
Despite their current political differences, Tinubu said their relationship remained significant, noting that belonging to different political parties would not diminish his personal affection for the former governor.
The President wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of participation in Nigeria's democratic process.
Kwankwaso, who turns 70 on October 21, 2026, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, particularly in Kano State.Five Alternative Professional Headlines
Tags
Politics