Bashir Machina has denied relinquishing the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial ticket for Yobe north Senatorial District to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.
Countering claims of stepping down for Lawan, Machina maintained that he is still the party’s senatorial candidate for the district and has also not defected from the ruling party.
He said: “It has been brought to my notice that some unscrupulous elements forged a letter of my withdrawal from the race out of mischief and blackmail.
“I state unequivocally that the letter was forged. I did not at any time withdraw or resign from the APC.
“I was shocked when I discovered that some persons concocted plans to mislead the public particularly my supporters into believing that I have withdrawn.”
Machina also said that he has instructed his lawyers to institute legal action against those behind the “forged” letter.