By Eshioromeh Sebastian
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
In a statement personally signed, the President described Kwankwaso as an influential and progressive politician, praising his contributions to Kano State and Nigeria.
Tinubu cited Kwankwaso’s roles as a two-term governor, former Minister of Defence, former Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, and former presidential candidate who is now a presidential running mate.
Recalling their longstanding association, the President said he and Kwankwaso first met in the National Assembly in 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives and he in the Senate.
He noted that both later emerged as governors of their respective states in 1999.
“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 acknowledged that their political paths diverged due to different choices, but noted that they coalesced in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress, adding that “since then, history and service have kept us intertwined.”
The President further stated that belonging to different political parties and competing on different platforms in the January 2027 election would not diminish his affection for Kwankwaso.
“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,” he said.
As the former governor marks the milestone, Tinubu wished him good health, personal fulfilment, and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process.
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