Tinubu Sends Powerful Message To Kwankwaso At 70, Says 2027 Rivalry Won’t Change His Affection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that their political differences ahead of the January 2027 elections will not diminish the personal bond they have shared for decades.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Tinubu made the declaration in a birthday message released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, to celebrate Kwankwaso as he marks his 70th birthday.

In the message, the president reflected on their longstanding political relationship, which dates back to 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives while Tinubu was a member of the Senate.

Tinubu recalled that their relationship continued in 1999 when both men became governors of their respective states, describing their contributions during that period as significant to Nigeria’s democratic development.

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

He also highlighted their involvement in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, noting that they had worked together politically despite following different paths at various points in their careers.

“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” Tinubu added.

The president praised Kwankwaso for his contributions to Kano State and the country, describing him as an influential figure who has held several important positions in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s record as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, senator and presidential candidate, noting his longstanding involvement in national politics.

Despite their current political differences, the president stressed that their relationship should not be defined solely by party affiliations or electoral competition.

Kwankwaso is identified in the supplied report as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate for the January 2027 election, placing him on a different political platform from Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office.

“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 stated.

The president concluded his message by wishing the former Kano governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of service to Nigeria as he celebrates the milestone birthday.

Tinubu’s message highlights the longstanding political connection between the two men and his assertion that their current electoral rivalry will not erase the relationship they have built over the years.