Wife of Kaduna state governor, Hajiya Aisha Ummi el-Rufai has said her husband’s choice of running mate was based on competence and merit.
According to her, contrary to allegations that Governor Nasir el-Rufai had chosen Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate based on religious sentiment, she said thew choice was made after careful consideration of the dynamics of the state and her capacity to function in that position.
The Governor’s choice of a Muslim woman from Sanga in Southern Kaduna had generated controversies especially the argument that he ought to have selected a Christian in view of the configuration of the state.
However, the Kaduna First Lady said that it was incorrect to say that her husband’s choice was solely to spite people of other faith, adding that so far she has proven to be a woman with capacity to contribute meaningfully to growth and development of the state.
Ummi said she decided to make the explanation particularly for those who think that the governor picked a woman and a Muslim as his running mate to spite others.
“I appeal to the 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 merit, competence and on 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.”
Further, the Coordinator of ‘Gida-Gida’ urged all residents of Kaduna state to go out and vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor el-Rufai and all other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates across board.
“One of the core objectives of our great party APC and the ‘Gida-Gida’ project is to foster peace and unity in Kaduna state and the nation at large. 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 said.
She urged residents of Kaduna state to remain calm and shun all forms and acts of violence, election malpractices, votes buying and hooliganism.
