Kaduna: I may hand over power to a woman in 2023 – El-Rufai

Kaduna State, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has said a woman can take over from him as the next governor of the state.

He hinged his reason on the numerical strength of women in the state.

El-Rufai’s deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, is a woman.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, the governor said there is a “50 per cent’’ chance of a woman being elected governor because women account for half the population of the state.

“You cannot ignore half of your population; it is like clapping with one hand. 50 per cent of our women and young people make up the state.

“We always feel that giving women the same opportunities will make them perform well, even better than men.

“We have tried to identify competent women and give them opportunity to show they can do better, and they have not failed us; they are giving us their contributions in Kaduna state

“We think the rest of the country should take note and give more women and young people the opportunity, because that is what will move the country forward,’” he said.

“I might have my preferences but my wish always is for the people of Kaduna to join me in praying that we get a successor who will take the state to the next level.