President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, saying their political differences would not diminish his affection for the former governor of Kano State.
   
In a birthday message yesterday by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the former minister of defence as a longstanding associate whose political relationship dated back to their time in the National Assembly in 1992, till they became governors in 1999.
   
He noted that their political paths had differed over the years before they came together in 2013 to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as an influential figure in Nigerian politics.
   
For his part, the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, said he values his relationship with Kwankwaso, particularly their shared conversations and common commitment to the country’s development.
   
In his birthday message, Obi acknowledged Kwankwaso’s decades of public service, stating that the milestone was an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to public service, the lessons of experience, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
 
Praying for God’s blessings, good health, renewed strength and wisdom for the celebrant, the former governor of Anambra State disclosed that their relationship was strengthened by a shared vision of a country where every citizen could access opportunities, live in security and enjoy dignity.
   
Also, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, described Kwankwaso’s 70-year milestone as an important occasion to celebrate his life, leadership and contributions to the development of Kano in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
   
Acknowledging the former governor’s role in the state’s political development, Yusuf noted that the birthday provided an opportunity to reflect on the NDC vice-presidential candidate’s years of public service and contributions to governance, infrastructure development and the growth of democratic participation in Kano.
   
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant Kwankwaso good health, long life and renewed strength to continue contributing to the development of the state and the nation.