Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has backed down on wrestling the Yobe North ticket with Bashir Machina, an aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who won the senatorial primary.
Mr Lawan who lost the presidential primary of the ruling party went to ahead to wrestle with Mr Machina who won the party’s primary for the position.
He teamed up with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC and had his name submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a request rejected by electoral body that omitted his name and that of Mr Machina.
Fighting back, Mr Machina approached a federal high court were he won the legal tussle compelling INEC to recognise him as Yobe North senatorial candidate.
In a statement on Thursday, the top lawmaker who leads the red chamber, conceded, saying he will not be challenging the decision of the federal high court at a higher one.
“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 statement reads.
“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 committment 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 life long journey. It has been a wonderful relationship and it can only get stronger. I am indebted to you all. Alhamdulillah.”
