“Election Will Not Remove My Affection For Senator Kwankwaso–Tinubu Congratulates Kwankwaso At 70

According to a report by Vanguard on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on his 70th birthday, emphasising that their political disagreements have not weakened the personal bond they share.

In a birthday message released on Wednesday, Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a longtime friend and political associate whose contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development have remained significant over the years.

The President reflected on their longstanding relationship, which began in 1992 when both men served in the National Assembly. At the time, Kwankwaso was a member of the House of Representatives, while Tinubu represented his constituency in the Senate.

Their association continued in 1999 when both politicians became governors of their respective states. Tinubu noted that their shared experiences during the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic helped establish a relationship that survived several changes in their political careers.

However, their political journeys eventually took different directions as they pursued separate ambitions and aligned themselves with different political groups. Despite these developments, Tinubu maintained that their disagreements had not erased the personal relationship they had built over the decades.

The two politicians later reunited politically in 2013 when they participated in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that brought several opposition groups together under one platform.

Tinubu also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s extensive experience in public service, highlighting his achievements as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, senator representing Kano Central and presidential candidate.

The President further recognised Kwankwaso’s influence in Nigerian politics, describing his years in public office as an important part of his contribution to the country’s political development.

Their relationship has continued to attract attention as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Both men are associated with different political interests, creating the possibility of competing against each other as the next electoral cycle approaches.

Despite these differences, Tinubu stressed that political competition should not be confused with personal hostility. He maintained that their longstanding association remained important regardless of their current party affiliations.

The President stated, “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.”

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