Bashir Machina, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District, says his victory at the courts was “divine.”

Mr Machina endured a long-winded legal tussle as Ahmad Lawan, the Senate President sought to snatch his ticket after losing out of his presidential bid.

Mr Machina had emerged from the APC primary election held on May 28, but his party hierarchy sought to replace him with Mr Lawan who had represented the area for over 20 years.

He however fought his case from the High Court up to the Court of Appeal where the court forced the party and INEC to recognise him as the validly elected APC senatorial candidate for Yobe North.

“I welcome the decision of the Judge of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, it is a victory that stands for justice. It is now time to set aside our differences and close ranks for the impending battle, the next war we must wage is the war for APC’s victory in the coming 2023 general elections,” Mr Machina said on Wednesday at a rally organised by his supporters in Nguru.

He noted that anyone who is fighting for his people must be ready to face certain challenges.

The senatorial candidate called for genuine reconciliation to enable the party succeed at the polls 

“I am particularly happy that the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni places much emphasis on reconciliation as a virile tool for peaceful co-existence, we must therefore embrace it and move forward.”