The winner of the All Progressives Congress’ senatorial election in Yobe North, Bashir Sheriff Machina, has vowed not to step down for Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
Premium Politics reported that Lawan was defeated in the recently concluded APC presidential primary that saw the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who won through a landslide victory.
Having missed out on the presidential ticket, Lawan is said to be making attempts to return to the senate which would require Machina to step down, having emerged unopposed during the senatorial primary.
However, Machina who spoke with Daily Trust said “I was the one that was qualified” for the ticket, explaining why he emerged the winner unopposed.
Machina continued, “As far as I’m concerned, I contested for the Yobe North senatorial ticket and I won the election.
“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“I am still the candidate; I have not withdrawn and I will not withdraw for anybody.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.”
While Lawan’s camp is yet to speak on the issue, a party member loyal to Machina, Hussaini Mohammed Isa, told the publication that a lot of pressure was mounted on the candidate to hand over the APC senatorial ticket to Lawan who has been representing Yobe North senatorial district at the national assembly since 2007.
