Ganduje Bows, Reopens Kano Stadium for Atiku Rally

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state has ordered suspension of renovation works at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, in order to pave way for the campaign rally of Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor had come under intense criticism in the last 24 hours over the directive that the stadium be shut down for repairs.

In a statement on Wednesday, Muhammad Garba, commissioner for information, said the contractor in charge of the renovation had been directed to remove all equipment from the stadium till after the PDP presidential rally.

The renovation of the stadium aimed at giving it a face-lift, included installation of a new scoreboard, the running track and provision of sources for steady water supply to all parts of the stadium.

“As a democrat who believes in freedom of association, His Excellency the governor did not ordered the closure of the stadium to frustrate the campaign rally of the PDP. The stadium only closed for the intended renovation works,” Garba said.

While wishing the PDP a successful outing, the statement urged the leadership of the party to ensure orderliness during the event in order to avert destruction of facilities.

President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had used the facility for his re-election campaign last week.