• Hails his contributions to nation, as Obi, NDC vow to rescue Nigeria, have a good time ally
Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the vice presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on his seventieth birthday, describing him as his buddy and progressive politician.
Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of Kwankwaso, whom he described as an influential determine, in several capacities, as ex-governor of Kano State, and ex-defence minister and former Senator.
Tinubu, in a seven-paragraph tribute, acknowledged, “My heat congratulations to my buddy, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, one-time Minister of Defence and former Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, on his seventieth birthday on October 21, 2026.
“Senator Kwankwaso and I’ve longstanding affiliation, courting again to our time within the National Assembly in 1992, he within the House of Representatives and I within the Senate, and later in 1999 once we each emerged as governors of our respective states.
“As members of the Class of ‘99 Governors, we each performed pivotal roles in laying the muse for the democracy the nation enjoys at the moment.
“Shaped by totally different political decisions, our political paths differed till we coalesced in 2013 to type the All Progressives Congress. Since then, historical past and service have stored us intertwined.
“I need to acknowledge Senator Kwankwaso’s immense contributions to Kano State and Nigeria as a two-term Governor, former Minister of Defence, former Senator, former presidential candidate, and now a presidential operating mate.
“Senator Kwankwaso stays an influential determine and a progressive politician. That we’re in several political events and competing on totally different platforms within the January 2027 election won’t take away my affection for Senator Kwankwaso.
“As the former governor marks this milestone, I wish him good health, personal fulfilment, and many more years of engagement in the nation’s democratic process.”
Obi, NDC Celebrate Kwankwaso, Vow to Rescue Nigeria from APC in 2027 Elections
Presidential candidate of NDC, Peter Obi, and the social gathering’s management celebrated Kwankwaso on his seventieth birthday, describing him as an skilled public servant and a key associate of their quest to remodel Nigeria.
In a separate birthday tribute, Obi expressed confidence in his partnership with the previous Kano State governor, saying their shared dedication to nationwide growth may assist rescue the nation from the implications of poor governance.
NDC additionally praised Kwankwaso’s file in public service, citing his expertise within the legislature, the chief arm of presidency, and Kano State politics as vital belongings to the social gathering’s presidential ticket forward of the 2027 common election.
Obi mentioned their relationship had deepened via conversations and a shared willpower to construct a nation that gives alternatives to all Nigerians.
He acknowledged, “With the passage of time, I’ve come to understand the bond between us deeply, the numerous conversations we’ve got shared, and the frequent dedication to Nigeria that continues to form our service.
“As you mark your 70th birthday on October 21, I honour not only an accomplished public servant but also a very dear elder brother, friend, and partner whose life has been dedicated to serving our people.”
Obi mentioned Kwankwaso’s profession had taken him via the legislature, the Federal Executive Council, the governorship of Kano State, and different tasks in nationwide public life.
According to Obi, these experiences characterize a long time of engagement with the Nigerian individuals and present a basis for continued service to the nation.
The NDC presidential candidate mentioned, “Turning seventy shouldn’t be merely a vital milestone; it’s a second to look again with gratitude on a life dedicated to service, the knowledge gained via expertise, and the alternatives that stay forward.
“As we proceed to hope for and work towards a higher Nigeria, I stay grateful for our partnership, and for our shared conviction that our nation can develop into a place the place no youngster is disadvantaged of alternative, no household is left in poverty, and each Nigerian can stay with dignity, safety, and hope.
“My dear brother, may God bless you with renewed strength, good health, wisdom, and many more productive years. May the years ahead be filled with peace, fulfilment, and the satisfaction of seeing the values we cherish take firmer root across our nation.”
In its assertion, NDC, via its National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, congratulated Kwankwaso on behalf of the social gathering’s National Executive Committee, National Working Committee, members, and supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The social gathering described the previous Kano State governor as a image of braveness, progressive politics, and people-centred management.
It mentioned his file in Kano State and his service at the nationwide stage had established him as an influential determine in Nigerian politics.
“At 70, you remain a towering symbol of courage, selfless service, progressive politics, and people-centered leadership,” the social gathering mentioned.
NDC recalled Kwankwaso’s tenure as governor of Kano State, the place he promoted the Kwankwasiyya political philosophy, and his service as a senator, minister, and nationwide political chief.
It acknowledged that his expertise and grassroots assist had strengthened the social gathering’s presidential ticket, which pairs him with Obi.
“As our vice presidential candidate, you have brought uncommon energy, loyalty, capacity, and grassroots appeal to the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket,” the assertion mentioned.
The social gathering added that Kwankwaso remained a reliable associate in its marketing campaign to construct a new Nigeria that works for all residents.
