An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has congratulated Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, running mate to Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, on his 70th birthday, urging Nigerians to acknowledge political contributions beyond party affiliations.

Mumuni, in a congratulatory statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, said political differences should not prevent politicians from recognising the achievements of their opponents.

He described Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, whose career has included legislative service, two terms as governor and an appointment as Minister of Defence.

According to him, Senator Kwankwaso has sustained his influence in national politics through electoral contests, grassroots mobilisation and a strong political support base, particularly in Kano State.

Mumuni said the former governor’s political journey demonstrated how public figures could remain relevant beyond individual offices and election cycles.

He urged politicians and their supporters to prevent partisan disagreements from degenerating into hostility, stressing that national development required cooperation and mutual respect across political divides.

The APC chieftain added that acknowledging an opponent’s contributions did not amount to abandoning one’s party or ideological convictions, but reflected democratic maturity.

He called on Nigerians to place national interest above partisan bitterness and promote a political culture in which disagreements could coexist with civility.

Mumuni wished Kwankwaso good health and continued service to the country as he marked his 70th birthday.