President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, declaring that their political differences will not diminish his affection for him.

The president’s message was released on Wednesday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a longtime political associate, recalling that their relationship began in the National Assembly in 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives and he was a senator.

Their relationship continued in 1999 when both men became 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 recalled that their political paths diverged over the years before they reunited in 2013 to establish the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Since then, history and service have kept us intertwined,” he said.

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

The president also recognised the former governor’s influence on Nigeria’s political landscape, stressing that their personal relationship remained important despite their political differences.

“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 contributing to Nigeria’s democracy.