Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, may well have his political fate hanging in the balance, following the refusal by Bashir Sheriff Machina, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District, to step down for him.
Lawan contested the party’s presidential ticket but lost to the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Machina is reported to have said he has been approached by some people to relinquish the ticket, a request he declined.
The candidate said he was not opposed by any senatorial hopeful for the ticket, adding: “I was the one that was qualified”.
“As far as I’m concerned, I contested for the Yobe North Senatorial ticket and won the election,” the candidate said.
“I was confirmed elected because there were other contestants but I was the one that was qualified. I happened to be unopposed.
“I am still the candidate; I have not withdrawn and I will not withdraw for anybody. I am being approached by some persons but I will not withdraw, Insha Allah.”
Lawan has been representing Yobe North Senatorial District at the National Assembly since 2007. Until then, he was in the House of Representatives.