A Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State, ruled on Wednesday that Bashir Machina is the legitimate candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Yobe North Senatorial District, and Senate President Ahmad Lawan has recognized that ruling.
Machina had petitioned the Federal High Court for a ruling compelling INEC to announce his victory in the Yobe North APC senatorial primary poll held on May 28.
The APC was directed by Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu to submit Machina’s name to INEC as the legitimate primary election winner.
The primary election in which the Senate President emerged as the candidate for senator was deemed “phantom” by the judge.
Even though Lawan had lost the APC presidential primary to Tinubu, he still decided to run for his senatorial district’s ticket, which led to a dispute with Machina, who claimed that he had legitimately participated in the primaries and earned the seat.
In a statement released on Thursday, Lawan responded to the court’s verdict by saying he will not be challenging the ruling and accepting that Machina is the rightful candidate.
The Federal High Court in Damaturu rendered its decision on the legitimate candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District in the 2023 National Assembly elections yesterday, Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, as stated in the statement.
According to the ruling, I can’t run for office.
I have considered appealing the verdict, but after talking to my political allies, friends, and well-wishers, I have decided against it. Yes, I agree with the verdict.
“It is fitting that I express my gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam for his contribution as leader of the APC political family in Yobe State at this time. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Governor Mai Mala Buni, who has been nothing but supportive and brotherly.
I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to the people of Yobe North Senatorial District and Yobe State as a whole for their unwavering support, devotion, and dedication to the cause of nation-building.
“Please know that it is my sincere desire to always be of service to you, both in my personal life and in any other roles that I may play.
We’ve come a long way together, and it’s a road that’ll never end. This has been a fantastic relationship that can only grow greater from here on out. Thanks to everyone who helped me out. Alhamdulillah.”