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.”
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