Yobe APC vows to appeal judgment recognising Machina as senatorial candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe state says it will appeal the court verdict affirming Bashir Machina as the party’s 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.

Subsequently, Senate President Ahmad Lawan accepted the verdict and said he would not appeal.

In a statement on Friday, Mohammed Gadaka, chairman of the APC in Yobe, said the party has a duty to protect Lawan.

“We are aware of the Wednesday, September 28, 2022, ruling of the Federal High Court in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, with respect to the forthcoming Yobe north Senatorial District election,” he said.

“However, we respectfully reject the decision of the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Ahmad Lawan, accepting the judgment of the court which disqualified his candidature and participation in the election.

“In exercise of our legal rights, the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has decided to appeal the Federal High Court ruling in the interest of Yobe State, Nigeria and good governance.

“We have a duty to protect and sustain Senator Ahmed Lawan’s twenty-three years exemplary sojourn as a lawmaker and his impeccable record of leadership and patriotism – and commitment to making Nigeria work.”