The All Progressives Congress (APC) has decided to appeal Wednesday’s Federal High Court ruling recognising Bashir Machina as its candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.

Recall that the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, had on Thursday said he had accepted the judgement and would not appeal.

However, Yobe State APC Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Gadaka said the party would appeal the judgement, less than 24 hours after Lawan said otherwise.

In a statement issued on Friday, Gadaka maintained that Lawan is the bonafide APC candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District election, as recognised by the Sen. Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

Gadaka noted that the party has a duty to protect and sustain Lawan’s 23 years of exemplary sojourn as a lawmaker, his impeccable record of leadership, patriotism, and commitment to making Nigeria work.

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.

“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.”