Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has congratulated his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on his 70th birthday, describing the former Kano State governor as a respected elder brother, adviser and partner in public service.
Peter Obi delivered the tribute on Wednesday as Kwankwaso marked the milestone birthday, highlighting the relationship that has developed between the two opposition politicians and their shared commitment to Nigeria.
“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,” Peter Obi said in his birthday message.
Peter Obi said his appreciation for Kwankwaso had grown through their conversations and political partnership, describing their shared belief in Nigeria’s potential as a continuing motivation for their public service.
The former Anambra State governor praised Kwankwaso’s lengthy career, which has included legislative service, membership of the Federal Executive Council, two terms as Kano State governor and involvement in national politics.
Peter Obi said the 70th birthday offered an opportunity to reflect on a life shaped by public service, experience and engagement with Nigerians.
“Turning seventy is not merely a significant milestone; it is a moment to look back with gratitude on a life devoted to service, the wisdom gained through experience, and the opportunities that remain ahead,” Peter Obi said.
He also expressed confidence in the political partnership between both men, saying their shared ambition was to create a Nigeria where citizens could live with dignity, security and hope.
Peter Obi said he remained grateful for the partnership and their common conviction that no Nigerian child should be denied opportunity and no family should be left in poverty.
The warm birthday message comes at a significant point in the pair’s political journey.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election separately, with Obi running for the Labour Party and Kwankwaso representing the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Their combined support in that election subsequently fuelled calls for an alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
The political landscape changed in 2026 when both men joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress and eventually formed the party’s presidential ticket.
The NDC formally affirmed Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate at its special convention in Abuja in May.
Their partnership has since moved beyond speculation, with the party entrusting both politicians with significant responsibilities ahead of the 2027 campaign.
In September, NDC leaders said Peter Obi and Kwankwaso had been given authority to nominate key officials for the party’s Presidential Campaign Council.
The arrangement followed consultations between the two candidates and other party leaders.
Kwankwaso has also spoken positively about his relationship with Peter Obi.
In July, the former Kano governor described Peter Obi as a serious politician with Nigeria at heart and said he had developed greater confidence in his leadership qualities since the 2023 election.
“I know that Peter is a very serious politician. He has this country in mind. He is somebody that one can rely on,” Kwankwaso said.
The birthday tribute therefore carries a significance beyond a personal celebration, coming as the two politicians prepare to campaign together for the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso’s political career spans several decades. He served as Kano State governor, represented Kano Central in the Senate and held the position of Minister of Defence, among other public roles.
His record in Kano has continued to attract both praise and criticism, particularly over his influence on the state’s political development and his role in shaping the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has previously been associated with Kwankwaso politically, also congratulated his former political mentor on Wednesday.
Yusuf described the 70th birthday as an opportunity to reflect on Kwankwaso’s contributions to Kano and Nigeria, particularly in governance, infrastructure and democratic participation.
For Peter Obi, however, the occasion was primarily one of personal appreciation.
He prayed for Kwankwaso to receive renewed strength, good health, wisdom and many more productive years, while expressing hope that the principles they share would become more firmly established in Nigeria.
“Warmest congratulations on your 70th birthday, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. I honour you on this special occasion and pray that the chapter ahead will be filled with abundant blessings and many more purposeful years,” Peter Obi said.
As the 2027 contest approaches, the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket will face the challenge of translating their combined political influence into a coherent national campaign capable of appealing across Nigeria’s diverse regions and interests.
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