President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, emphasizing that their differing political affiliations would never erode his personal regard for the veteran political figure.
​The presidential tribute was formally released on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, through an official State House press statement issued from the State House, Abuja. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, represented the President’s media office in making the official felicitation public across government channels.
​Reflecting on a relationship spanning over three decades, President Tinubu highlighted their shared history in Nigeria’s legislative evolution, noting that their friendship was forged long before their recent political contests.
​”Senator Kwankwaso and I have had a longstanding association, dating back to our time in the National Assembly in 1992,” President Tinubu noted in his official birthday message. “While political choices and party lines have placed us on different sides over the years, political differences will never diminish my warm affection and respect for him.”
​President Tinubu praised the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as an influential, progressive politician and dedicated statesman who has contributed significantly to nation-building, administrative governance, and national development.
​Senator Kwankwaso, born on October 21, 1956, in Kwankwaso village, Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State, marks his 70th milestone as one of Nigeria’s most prominent contemporary leaders.
Over his distinguished political career, Kwankwaso has served as Governor of Kano State (1999–2003 and 2011–2015), Minister of Defence (2003–2007), Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District (2015–2019) and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections.
​Concluding his message, President Tinubu extended warm prayers on behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria:
​”As the former governor marks this landmark 70th milestone, I wish him good health, personal fulfilment, and many more years of active engagement in our nation’s democratic process.”
