Lawan accepts judgment affirming Machina as APC Yobe north candidate

Senate President Ahmad Lawan says he accepts a court verdict affirming Bashir Machina as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yobe north senatorial district.

On Wednesday, a federal high court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Machina as the APC candidate for the senatorial district.

INEC had earlier released a list of candidates for the 2023 elections, but there was no candidate for APC in the senatorial district.

In a statement on Thursday, Lawan said after consulting with his political associates, he has decided not to appeal the judgement.

“Yesterday, Wednesday, 28th September, 2022, the Federal High Court in Damaturu delivered judgement on the rightful candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District for the 2023 National Assembly elections,” he said.

“The said judgement disqualifies my candidature and therefore my participation in the elections.

“After due consultations with my political associates, supporters and well-wishers, I have decided not to appeal against the judgement. I accept the judgement.

“At this juncture, I deem it appropriate to thank His Excellency, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam for the leadership role in the APC political family in Yobe State. I also thank His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni for the support and brotherhood.

“To my constituents, I thank you all for your unflinching support, loyalty and unreserved commitment to the course of building our people and Yobe North Senatorial District and indeed Yobe State.

“I want to assure you that I will continue to serve you in my personal and any other capacity at all times.

“We journeyed together for a long time, and this journey will remain a lifelong journey. It has been a wonderful relationship and it can only get stronger. I am indebted to you all. Alhamdulillah.”