President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso as a loyal ally and a committed progressive, even after the latter’s departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a message celebrating Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, President Tinubu praised his long-standing dedication to progressive ideals and his contributions to Nigeria’s development.
“Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served in the National Assembly in 1992 and later as governors in 1999,” Tinubu said. “We also worked together in founding the All Progressives Congress. Although he later left the APC to establish the New Nigeria Peoples Party, it is noteworthy that he remains within the progressive fold.”
Tinubu’s message, conveyed through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended warm felicitations to Kwankwaso’s family, friends, and political associates. The President lauded the former governor’s “invaluable services” to Nigeria, commending his rich record of leadership across various levels of government.
Kwankwaso, a respected political figure, has served in several key roles — as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives during the aborted Third Republic, as a two-term Governor of Kano State, as Minister of Defence, and as Senator representing Kano Central.
Tinubu also acknowledged Kwankwaso’s enduring popularity and growing influence in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano State. He credited this to Kwankwaso’s people-oriented style of leadership, likening him to late political icons Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, both renowned for their grassroots connection and progressive politics.
Concluding his message, President Tinubu wished Senator Kwankwaso continued good health, long life, and many more years of impactful service to the nation, underscoring the mutual respect that persists between the two leaders despite political differences.
Who is Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso?
Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is a veteran Nigerian politician and former Governor of Kano State, where he served two non-consecutive terms (1999–2003 and 2011–2015). A founding member of the APC, he later established the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), maintaining his alignment with progressive politics. Kwankwaso has also served as Minister of Defence and Senator for Kano Central. Known for his strong grassroots following and influence in northern Nigeria, his political philosophy draws inspiration from the legacies of Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.
