Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was reportedly ordered the immediate closure of two stadia in the state for renovation purposes.
The closure of the Sani Abacha Stadium at Kofar Mata and Kano Pillars Stadium at Sabon Gari is coming five days to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally in the state.
Newsheadline247 understands the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was scheduled to visit the state for his campaign on Sunday, February 10, 2019, while the renovation is expected to end on Monday, February 18, 2019.
The proposed renovation works include installation of new scoreboard, running track and provision of steady water supply to all parts of the stadia.
It was gathered that the shutdown was intended to frustrate the PDP campaign rally, said an anonymous source.
Spokesman of the State Sports Commission, Abbati Sabo, however, denied the closure was aimed to impede the opposition party’s rally.
Sabo said this has nothing to do with the PDP rally, adding that the renovation work was embarked upon in preparation for the 2019-2020 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season.
“As far as I am concerned, this directive does not have any political undertone. The state government was advised to renovate the stadia ahead of the NPL season.
“The government had now heeded to the advice and ordered for the project in order to have smooth conduct of the league. As you can see, the facilities are in need of repair and the government has now answered the call for their renovation,” he stated.
