Ahmad Lawan withdraws from Yobe governorship race

Ahmad Lawan withdraws from Yobe governorship race

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Thursday announced his withdrawal from the contest to secure the nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its Yobe State governorship candidate.

The Senator also announced total support for Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, a former Secretary to Yobe State Government, who emerged as the preferred governorship candidate of the party.

In a statement on Thursday, Lawan said he took the decision after consulting with his supporters and other critical stakeholders, including Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs and leader of APC stakeholders in Yobe State.

The Senator said he had visited Gaidam at his residence in Abuja to brief him on the development.

“The essence of this visit was to discuss the issue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidacy for Yobe state. This meeting comes barely 24 hours after the announcement of Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali, the former Secretary to the Yobe State Government, as the preferred governorship candidate.

“Yesterday, I requested to take time out to consult my supporters on the issue. Having consulted widely, it was clear to me that majority of our supporters were of the view that we support the position of the leadership of the party. I informed him of my decision to support the declaration of Baba Malam Wali as the preferred candidate.

“I therefore, expressed my full support for the position of the party and the consensus candidate. I have willingly withdrawn from the race for the gubernatorial seat.

“I take this opportunity to thank our numerous supporters for the support, solidarity and understanding throughout the period of this contest,” Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District said.