2027: Tinubu Sends Strong Message to Kwankwaso at 70 Despite Political Differences

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his personal affection for former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as he congratulated the former senator on his 70th birthday, stressing that their longstanding relationship remains important despite their political differences ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

According to a report by DAILY POST on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Tinubu’s birthday message was made public by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who shared the president’s reflections on their decades-long political association.

Tinubu traced their relationship to 1992, when both men served in the National Assembly. At the time, Kwankwaso was a member of the House of Representatives, while Tinubu served in the Senate.

Their political relationship continued in 1999 when both men became governors, with Kwankwaso leading Kano State and Tinubu administering Lagos State. The president recalled their contributions during the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

“As members of the Class of ’99 Governors, we both played pivotal roles in laying the foundation for the democracy the nation enjoys today,” he said.

Tinubu also highlighted their involvement in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, when they joined other political figures to establish the party.

“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” the president stated.

In acknowledging Kwankwaso’s political career, Tinubu mentioned his experience as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, senator and presidential candidate. He also recognised the former governor’s longstanding participation in Nigeria’s political and democratic development.

Despite their differing political affiliations and ambitions, Tinubu emphasised that their relationship extended beyond party politics and electoral competition.

“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 message comes as political figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with alliances and party affiliations continuing to shape the country’s political landscape.

Tinubu concluded his birthday message by wishing Kwankwaso good health, happiness and continued opportunities to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic development.

His remarks highlighted the longstanding personal and political ties between the two men, despite their current differences over party affiliation and future political ambitions.

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