Tinubu celebrates Kwankwaso at 70

Add us to your Preferred Sources Tinubu celebrates Kwankwaso at 70

Featured
October 21, 2026 4:40 pm

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso & President Bola Tinubu. Credit: State House

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, adding that 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 had differed over the years before they came together in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).Make PUNCH part of your everyday experience.Add us to your Preferred Sources
“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” the President said. Ministers-pay-billions claim was about past governments — APC Tinubu’s Saudi trip for Umrah, not treatment — Aide Akpabio alleges payment for social media attacks on Tinubu
Tinubu acknowledged Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano State and Nigeria, highlighting 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,” Tinubu said.
He wished Kwankwaso good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of participation in the country’s democratic process as he marks the milestone.
Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure from Kano State, turns 70 on October 21, 2026.

Gilbert Ekugbe
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.