* Despite Lawan accepting court verdict
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State has indicated that it will appeal a Federal High Court ruling, which recognised Bashir Machina as the party’s candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District in the 2023 elections
The court, on Wednesday, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Machina as the APC candidate for the senatorial district.
Accepting the verdict, Senate President Ahmad Lawan had declared on Thursday that after due consultations with his political associates, supporters and well-wishers, he would accept the court judgment as it is.
But less than 24 hours after Lawan had accepted the verdict, Chairman of the APC in Yobe State, Mohammed Gadaka, said the party has a duty to protect Lawan.
Gadaka, through a statement on Friday, insisted that Lawan is the bonafide APC candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District election, as recognised by the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC).
Gadaka 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.
“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.”