Lawan Vs Machina: Yobe North- APC To Appeal Court Ruling

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Yobe State chapter has said it will appeal the ruling of Federal High Court in Damaturu which recognized Bashir Machina as the authentic flagbearer for the Yobe North zone ahead of the 2023 election.

 

Newsonline reports that the Yobe State APC chairman, Mohammed Gadaka said the Wednesday ruling which the senate president accepted can not be accepted by the party.

 

The APC State Chairman, Mohammed Gadaka, on Friday in a statement said Lawan remains their bonafide candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District election as recognized by the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee of the APC.

 

The statement read, “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.

 

“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 has decided to appeal the Federal High Court ruling in the interest of Yobe State, Nigeria and good governance.

 

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“We have a duty to protect and sustain Senator Ahmed Lawan’s 23 years exemplary sojourn as a lawmaker and his impeccable record of leadership and patriotism – and commitment to making Nigeria work.”

 

However, the senate president, Ahmed Lawan on Thursday said he has no plan to appeal the decision of the Federal High Court. Lawan added in a statement that he accepted the court’s decision.

 

Lawan who has been in the National Assembly since 1999 wrote, “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.

 

“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.”