By Chris Udochukwu
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has donated the sum of N110 million as contribution to the campaign of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Hon. Musa Mustapha’s senatorial bid in the forthcoming Yobe East by-election.
According to the statement signed by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, the donation was made by Senator Lawan at a fundraiser in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, on Sunday night.
While making an announcement of the donation at the event, Senator Lawan explained that N50 million was jointly donated by him, his associates and friends; and N10m each by the six local government areas which constitute his senatorial district of Yobe North (Zone C).
The local governments areas are Bade, Nguru, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Yusufari, and Machina.
Those present at the fundraising were the Governor of Yobe state, Rt. Hon. Mai Mala Buni, the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, the leadership and members of the Yobe State Assembly, Honourable Commissioners, amongst other notable dignitaries.
Hon. Mustapha was among successful candidates shortlisted, last week, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest in the February 3, 2023, by-elections in Nigeria.
Mustapha, during the primary election, which took place in Damaturu, had polled 357 votes to defeat his only opponent, Salisu Sanda, who scored zero vote.
He emerged the candidate of the ruling party, APC, and is vying to replace Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, his predecessor.
Gaidam was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, last year, as Minister of Police Affairs and assumed office on August 21, 2023.
The serving Minister, who succeeded Senator Buka Abba Ibrahim in 2019, to represent Yobe East in the National Assembly, like his predecessor, was a former Governor of Yobe State between 2009 and 2019.