Politics

Muslim-Muslim ticket: I consulted Buhari – El-Rufai

Published

6 years ago

November 14, 2018

Kaduna State Governor Nasir el – Rufai on Tuesday said he settled for Dr . Hadiza Balarabe , a fellow Muslim , as his running mate in the 2019 governorship election in the state because she is the right person for the job .
The governor , who received in audience the people of Sanga Local Government Area at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House , Kaduna , who came to thank him for picking their daughter as his running mate , said he based his choice on competence and performance .

“ Muslim – Muslim ticket is not a religious ticket but a competence and performance ticket, ” the governor said .
Balarabe ’ s choice as el – Rufai ’ s running mate had generated criticism in the state .

But el -Rufai , while responding to critics , said before he picked Balarabe , he consulted President Muhammadu Buhari .

He said , “ About a year ago , the Deputy Governor , Barnabas Bala, told me that he was going to contest the senatorial election , I was in a dilemma to get a replacement for him .

“ So , we started with a list of people for consideration , and I had up to 32 names , including the names of some people seated with me here today .

“ Then , we started selection and dropping names based on merit . From 32 names to 17 to 12 and then five , three males and two females .

“ At that point , and as usual of us , when we are taking serious decisions , we consult President Muhammadu Buhari , because he is the only person I know that has worked in the army , he has been Governor , Minister and President .

“ So , when I told him , he said anyone older than me should be dropped . Then one name was dropped , remaining two men and two women , then he said ‘ since you are interested in a woman , pick the best woman’ . That was how I picked Hadiza, because she was the best . ”

The governor added that most of his Muslim -Muslim critics were those who did not vote for him in 2015 .

He said , “ The people that have criticised me most on this are people who never voted me in the first place . So, are they not supposed to be celebrating it . In their own opinion , I have made a wrong choice ? Then , why are they mourning ?”

The Paramount ruler of Numana in Sanga LGA , Brigadier – General Aliyu Yamma , said the choice of Balarabe had given them hope of being in government.
He said . ” The governor couldn ’ t have made a better choice than the selection of Hadiza. We now feel a sense of belonging in Kaduna government. We are just like black Americans in Kaduna State. ”