Wife of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Hajiya Aisha Garba El-Rufai has justified her husband’s choice of Muslim running mate.
She said contrary to insinuations, the Governor’s choice was based on competence and ability of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe to deliver.
Speaking at a parley with journalists in Kaduna, Mrs. El-Rufai stated categorically that the insinuation that the governor picked a female Muslim running mate to spite people of other faith was incorrect.
She maintained that her husband picked Mrs Balarabe purely because she has proven to be a woman with capacity to contribute meaningfully to growth and development of the state.
The Governor’s wife, who expressed confidence that her husband can go and sleep and still win the governorship election, said people of Kaduna state now understand that Governor El-Rufai’s programmes and policies are people-centered.
According to her, “I appeal to the good people of Nigeria and Kaduna State in particular to take a closer look at the choice of the running mate of Malam Nasir El-Rufai with open heart.
“The governor that I know works with people based on competence and on the basis of what they can deliver and bring to the table and not on the basis of religion or ethnicity.
“The governor should not be accused of bias because he is not moved by religious affiliation. In any case, our diversity should strengthen us rather than divide us”.
She called on the good people of Kaduna State to remain calm and shun all forms and acts of violence, election malpractices, votes buying and hooliganism.
“Our main goal and objective is to engage the electorate on issue-based campaign as peace ambassadors, we believe Kaduna State is a great state that has the potential to promote peace and unity among its diverse populace. I, therefore, urge us all to come out en-mass to vote all APC candidates in order to ensure victory at all polls slated for 23rd February and 9th March 2019.” She emphasised.
