President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, saying their political differences would not diminish his affection for the former minister.

Tinubu, in a birthday message issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday, described Kwankwaso as a longstanding associate whose political relationship with him dates back to their time in the National Assembly in 1992.

The President recalled that while Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives, he was a member of the Senate. Their relationship continued in 1999 when both emerged as 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.

He noted that their political paths diverged over the years before they reunited in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress.

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

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

He also described the former Kano governor as an influential figure in Nigerian politics.

The President, however, acknowledged that both politicians currently belong to different political parties and are competing on separate 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,” he said.

Tinubu wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of contributing to the country’s democratic process.

Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure from Kano State, turns 70 on October 21, 2026.