According to findings by National Daily, Governor of the state, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Tuesday ordered the immediate closure of the two main stadiums in the state, just five days to Atiku’s presidential rally scheduled to hold in one of the stadiums.
National Daily gathered from state officials that the stadiums were closed down in other to carry out renovation works, and is not expected to be completed until February 18
The proposed general renovation works include the installation of the new score board, the running track and provision of sources for steady water supply to all parts of the stadiums.
However, sources said the decision to close down the two stadiums, Sani Abacha Stadium situated at Kofar Mata and Kano Pillars stadium at Sabon Gari — was intended to frustrate the forthcoming campaign rally of the PDP.
But Abbati Sabo, spokesman of the sports commission, debunked the allegation, saying the closure was not targeted at the presidential rally of the PDP presidential candidate.
He added that the renovation work was as a result of the 2019-2020 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season.
“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,” he said.
“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 facility is in need of repair and the government has now answered the call for its renovation.”
President Muhammadu Buhari used the Sani Abacha stadium for his reelection campaign last week.