The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has congratulated former Kano State governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, describing him as a dear elder brother and partner in service to Nigeria.
Obi conveyed his message in a birthday tribute shared on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in which he praised Kwankwaso’s decades of public service and contributions to the country’s political and administrative development.
The former Anambra State governor said his relationship with Kwankwaso had grown through conversations, mutual respect and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
“As you mark your 70th birthday on October 21, I honour not only an accomplished public servant but also a very dear elder brother and partner whose life has been dedicated to serving our people,” Obi said.
He highlighted Kwankwaso’s experience across different levels of public office, including legislative service, membership of the Federal Executive Council, governorship of Kano State and participation in national politics.
According to Obi, reaching the age of 70 provides an opportunity to recognise the value of experience and reflect on the contributions of individuals who have spent significant portions of their lives in public service.
He also expressed appreciation for the relationship the two politicians have developed over the years, emphasising their conversations and shared interest in Nigeria’s development.
Kwankwaso’s 70th birthday comes as political parties and their leading figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former Kano governor is now the vice-presidential candidate of the NDC, with Obi leading the party’s presidential ticket.
Their political partnership places both men at the centre of discussions about opposition strategy, party alliances and the prospects of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Kwankwaso previously served as governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. He also served as a federal lawmaker and Minister of Defence, building a political profile that has extended beyond Kano into national electoral contests.
Obi’s message therefore combines a personal birthday tribute with recognition of Kwankwaso’s long involvement in Nigerian public life.
As political competition intensifies ahead of 2027, the relationship between the two politicians is likely to remain a subject of interest, particularly among supporters of the NDC and voters watching the emergence of opposition alliances.