Nasarawa North by‑election: Maku claims a plot to rig results, cites nine vulnerable wards

The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye‑election, Labaran Maku, has warned of a possible plot to undermine the electoral process in parts of the district.

Speaking at a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information identified nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon as potential targets for manipulation because of their large voter populations and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku said that certain political interests were uneasy about his growing popularity across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring ways to influence the poll’s outcome.

He added that the Labour Party enjoys broad grassroots support, especially in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which has bolstered the party’s confidence ahead of the election.

“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.

He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the electorate’s will could spark political tension and erode public confidence in democracy.

The candidate called on federal authorities and security agencies to maintain neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any political pressure that could compromise the exercise’s credibility.

Maku expressed concern over the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments seen in previous political contests.

He also claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary for the bye‑election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.

Despite these concerns, Maku remained optimistic about his chances, noting that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently shown political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.

The former minister urged residents to stay peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as the bye‑election approaches its final stages.