The Yobe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the court order recognizing Bashir Machina as the authentic party candidate for the Yobe North senatorial district.
The state chairman of the APC, Mohammed Gadaka in a statement on Friday vowed to appeal the judgment of the federal high court.
He submitted that they are aware of the decision by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan to accept the ruling of the court but in the interest of the state and good governance, an appeal will be pursued on his behalf.
He said: “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.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Damaturu, Yobe State on Wednesday, declared Bashir Machina as the authentic candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Yobe North Senatorial seat election.
The court, presided over by Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu on also ordered the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Machina as the candidate for Yobe North senatorial district.
Reacting to the court ruling in a statement on Thursday, Lawan welcomed the court ruling which disqualified his candidature and participation in the senatorial primary election.
The Senate President said he would not appeal the judgment after due consultations with his family, political associates and supporters.
Lawan further appreciated the Yobe Governor, Governor Mai Mala Buni, and his constituency member for their support during the court process.
