Ganduje orders closure of major stadiums ahead of Atiku’s rally in Kano
The governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje has ordered the closure of major stadiums in Kano just a few days to the rally of People’s Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Two large capacity stadiums in the state, the Sani Abacha stadium at Kofar Mata and Kano Pillars stadium at Sabon Gari will not be open to the public as they both undergo renovations at the same time.
Government officials said the stadiums were shut down for a scheduled renovations which will include the installation of a new score board, steady water supply and running tracks for the upcoming 2019-2020 season of Nigeria Professional Football League.
Atiku’s rally is expected to hold in the state on February 10, 2019 and the closure of the stadiums leaves him with fewer choices of a large capacity venue to host the event.
Although there are speculations that the closure of the stadium was politically motivated, the spokesperson of the state sports commission, Abbati Sabo says the directive is not targeted at the PDP rally.
President Buhari who is an ally of Ganduje had used the Sani Abacha stadium for his rally in Kano last week.
“As far as I am concerned, this directive doesn’t have a political undertone. The state government was advised to order for the renovation of the stadium ahead of the NPL season,” Sabo said.
“As you can see, the facility is in need of repair and the government has now answered the call for its renovation.”
It was disclosed that the stadium will not be opened until February 18, 2019.
