‘Political differences won’t affect my affection for you’ – Tinubu congratulates Kwankwaso at 70

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, saying their political differences will not change the affection he has for him.

Tinubu’s message was released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. The president described Kwankwaso as a longtime political associate, recalling that their relationship began in the National Assembly in 1992.

While Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives, Tinubu was a senator. Their relationship 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.

The president recalled that their political journeys took different directions over the years before they reunited in 2013 to establish the All Progressives Congress, APC.

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

Tinubu praised Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, pointing to his experience as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former senator and presidential candidate.

He also recognised Kwankwaso’s influence in the country’s political landscape.

Despite their current political differences, Tinubu said his relationship with the former Kano governor remained important to him, even as both prepare to contest on separate political platforms ahead of the January 2027 election.

“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 more years of contributing to Nigeria’s democracy.