Why I Won't Step Down For Lawan- APC Yobe Senatorial Candidate Bashir Machina

Speaking on Channels TV programme "Politics Today' on Wednesday night, Machina insisted that he is still the flag-bearer ahead of the 2023 election, adding that he had at no time withdrawn his candidacy.

Machine insisted that Lawan did not plan to run for senate as he only picked the presidential form and failed, adding that he was elected and not anointed as speculated.

There have been speculations that Machina was under pressure to step down for Lawan to continue representing the district at the National Assembly.

Recall that Machina was elected unopposed during the primary, where he polled 289 delegates votes out of 300.

Machina while fielding questions from the anchor, said;

"The pressure is more or less speculative. There wasn't any clear-cut person or message directly that says I should step down but from the headquarters of my party (APC), recently I was informed that if I was still in the race, I should write formally to inform the party that I am."

"I formally wrote a letter to the party, reiterating and affirming my position, that I am still the candidate; that I did not withdraw, and I am not withdrawing, and I'm in the race in the event that anybody is contemplating or doubting that there is any move".

"No, I won't step down because Ahmad Lawan did not contest for the Senate. Of course, it is a known fact that Ahmad Lawan contested for president and lost. And when I contested for Senate, Lawan did not participate (in the primary) or did not contest (for Senate). So, I don't think that may be in any way an issue."