Yobe North senatorial primary: lt’s a lost battle, I accept court verdict, says Lawan

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, said on Thursday that he would not appeal the high court judgment which nullified his candidacy for Yobe North Senatorial District in the 2023 election.

Persecondnews had reported on Wednesday, that the Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State Capital, in ruling nullified the candidature of Lawan for the 2023 senatorial poll.

The court declared Bashir Sheriff Machina as the All Progressives Congress’ authentic senatorial candidate for Yobe North District.

Justice Fadima Murtala Aminu, who gave the order, directed the APC to forward the name of Machina to INEC as the authentic winner of the primary held on May 28, 2022.

The Judge described the primary election which produced Senator Lawan as the senatorial candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District as “phantom”.

Reacting to the judgment, Senator Lawan said in a statement: “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 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.”

Thanking his constituents for a long standing relationship, Lawan also said: “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.”