President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today publicly reaffirmed his friendship and political kinship with former Kano State governor and NNPP stalwart Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, celebrating his birthday by lauding his influence in the North and his enduring “pro‑people” brand of leadership.

In a statement issued by his media team, Tinubu described Kwankwaso as “a friend and ally” whose political journey he has long crossed paths with — from their early days in the National Assembly to their shared roles in founding the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Even after Kwankwaso’s exit from the APC and move to establish the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Tinubu emphasized that he still regards him as “within the progressive fold.”

Celebrating Legacy, Emphasizing Continuity

As part of his birthday wishes, Tinubu highlighted Kwankwaso’s record across a wide spectrum of public service — from Deputy Speaker of the House in the aborted Third Republic, to two terms as governor of Kano, to service as Minister of Defence, and Senator for Kano Central.

He framed Kwankwaso’s rising prominence in northern states as evidence of a political style rooted in grassroots connection, invoking the legacies of icons like Aminu Kano and Abubakar Rimi.

In his message, Tinubu also nodded to their shared political history: “Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served … We also worked together in founding the All Progressives Congress. Although he later left the APC to establish NNPP, it is noteworthy that he remains within the progressive fold.”

This choice of wording — “remains within the progressive fold” — appears carefully calibrated. It underscores a welcome message without fully diluting party differences, signaling that political realignments need not erase personal bonds.

Political Undertones: Reunion or Reconciliation?

Though the message is couched in congratulatory tone, political watchers read deeper meaning into Tinubu’s words and timing.

In recent months, speculation has swirled around possible rapprochement or alliance-building ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Indeed, some sources claim the APC has made overtures to woo Kwankwaso, recognizing his grassroots heft in Kano and the broader Northwest, in a bid to secure more votes in a region critical to any presidential run.

Yet, insiders caution that such overtures would not be simple, and that Kwankwaso’s own posture has been one of measured independence. He has voiced criticism of alleged northern marginalization by the federal government — a line that permits political distance even while maintaining cordial ties.

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Tinubu’s senior aide, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has publicly defended these overtures, noting that dialogue across political lines is neither strange nor taboo.

He reminded critics of the decades-long history between Tinubu and Kwankwaso, dating back to legislative days and early party formations.

Challenges Within the NNPP

Complicating matters further is the internal status of Kwankwaso relative to the NNPP. A faction of the party maintains that he remains suspended, precluding him from contesting under the party’s banner in 2027.

Some NNPP loyalists have thus warned that any seeming closeness to the presidency could be perceived as betrayal — or worse, a tactical move toward reconciliation that edges him away from opposition status.