President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso as a friend and ally within the progressive fold, despite his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a message congratulating Kwankwaso on his 69th birthday, the President, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended warm wishes to the former Kano State governor, his family, friends, and political associates.

Tinubu commended Kwankwaso for his “invaluable services” to the nation, noting his contributions as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the aborted Third Republic, two-term governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, and Senator representing Kano Central.

He said Kwankwaso’s influence across the North, particularly in Kano State, reflects his people-centered politics — reminiscent of the late Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

“Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served in the National Assembly in 1992 and later as governors in 1999. We also worked together in founding the All Progressives Congress. Although he later left the APC to establish the New Nigeria Peoples Party, it is noteworthy that he remains within the progressive fold,” Tinubu said.

The President prayed for Kwankwaso’s continued good health and wished him many more years of impactful service to the nation.