Tinubu's Kwankwaso Congratulatory Message Raises Political Questions in NDC

By Majesty Inegbagha 

*President acknowledges long-standing ties with Kwankwaso despite political differences ahead of 2027 elections

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to former Kano State Governor and running  mate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday has drawn attention to their longstanding political relationship amid preparations for the 2027 general elections.

L-R Sen.RabiuMusa Kwankwaso and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Kwankwaso, who celebrated his 70th birthday on October 21, 2026, is a prominent political figure and a former presidential candidate. He is also identified in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections as a presidential running mate.

In a statement issued by the State House on Wednesday, President Tinubu described Kwankwaso as a friend, progressive politician and influential figure whose contributions to Kano State and Nigeria deserved recognition.

The President recalled that their political relationship dated back to 1992, when Kwankwaso served in the House of Representatives and Tinubu was a senator in the National Assembly.

He also noted that both men became governors of their respective states in 1999, joining the group popularly known as the Class of '99 Governors.

According to Tinubu, they played important roles in laying the foundation for the democratic system the country enjoys today.

The President acknowledged that their political paths diverged over the years because of different political choices but said they eventually came together in 2013 to establish the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He added that their shared political history and public service had continued to connect them despite subsequent differences.

Tinubu also commended Kwankwaso's contributions as a two-term governor of Kano State, former Minister of Defence, former senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and former presidential candidate.

Describing the former governor as an influential political figure, the President said their membership of different political parties and participation on competing platforms in the January 2027 election would not diminish his affection for Kwankwaso.

"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 the former governor good health, personal fulfilment and many more years of participation in Nigeria's democratic process.

The congratulatory message comes against the backdrop of political realignments and heightened competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the State House statement did not indicate that the President's message was intended to influence Kwankwaso's political decisions.(

Tinubu signed the message as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on October 21, 2026.