Anthony Iwuoma
Despite the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, accepting the decision of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, declaring his rival, Bashir Machina, as the candidate for the Yobe North senatorial ticket at his expense, the Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it would appeal the judgment.
Justice Fadima Aminu had certified Sheriff Bashir Machina, as the duly and validly elected Yobe North senatorial candidate for APC, a decision Lawan said he accepted and would not appeal.
However, Yobe State chairman of the party, Mohammed Gadaka, on Friday, indicated that the party would appeal the judgment, saying Lawan remained the authentic candidate of the party recognised by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC.
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“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 Senate president, Ahmad Lawan accepting the judgment of the court which disqualified his candidature and participation in the election,” the statement partly read.
“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.”
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Lawan and Manchina have been locked in a bitter battle for the APC Yobe North senatorial ticket, which was won by the latter while Lawan was gunning for the party’s presidential ticket.
However, following his failure to emerge as the presidential flag-bearer, Sen. Lawan made a detour, trying to snatch the senatorial ticket from Manchina, who has resisted the move vehemently.