President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso as a steadfast ally within Nigeria’s progressive political fold, despite his departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
There have been speculations that the leader of the Kwankwasiya movement was planning to dump the NNPP for the APC ahead of the next general election, and the new APC national chairman is not ruling out the defection of the NNPP chieftain.
Tinubu noted that although Kwankwaso had exited the APC to form the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), his political philosophy remained aligned with the progressive movement.
In a congratulatory message marking Kwankwaso’s 69th birthday, President Tinubu acknowledged the senator’s enduring commitment to progressive ideals.
“Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served in the National Assembly in 1992 and later as governors in 1999,” Tinubu stated.
“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.”
According to Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu extended warm wishes to Kwankwaso’s family, friends and political associates as they celebrated the milestone.
The president praised Kwankwaso’s “invaluable services” to Nigeria, citing his extensive leadership record. Kwankwaso previously served as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives during the aborted Third Republic, held two terms as governor of Kano state, and was appointed minister of defence. He also represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Tinubu emphasised that Kwankwaso’s growing influence in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano state, reflected his pro-people approach to politics. He likened Kwankwaso’s style to that of late political icons Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.
In closing, President Tinubu wished Senator Kwankwaso continued good health and many more years of impactful service to the nation, depicting the enduring respect between the two political figures.