Nasarawa North By-Election: Government Dismisses Maku’s Rigging Allegations, Assures Free and Fair Poll
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed allegations by Labour Party senatorial candidate and former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, that there are plans to manipulate the forthcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026.
Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lafia on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, described the allegations as baseless, malicious and politically motivated.
Ahemba said the state government was compelled to respond following claims by Maku that nine electoral wards in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area had been marked for manipulation and that Governor Abdullahi Sule was collaborating with security agencies to influence the outcome of the by-election.
According to him, the allegations were unfounded and intended to create unnecessary tension ahead of the election.
The government spokesman maintained that Governor Sule had never interfered with electoral processes since assuming office in 2019, insisting that the administration remained committed to democratic principles, transparency and respect for the rule of law.
Ahemba further refuted claims that the governor met with security chiefs to perfect plans to influence the election, stating that Governor Sule was outside the state on investment promotion engagements in Lagos and Abuja on the day the alleged meeting was said to have taken place.
He also dismissed allegations concerning the redeployment of police personnel, stressing that the deployment and redeployment of officers remain the exclusive responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Nasarawa State Government has neither the constitutional authority nor any involvement in the posting of police officers,” Ahemba stated.
The government challenged Maku to provide credible evidence to support his claims and submit such information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies rather than making allegations through the media.
Ahemba expressed concern over comments suggesting that electoral grievances could trigger insecurity in the state, urging security agencies to take such remarks seriously and ensure peace before, during and after the by-election.
He noted that while political parties and candidates are free to canvass for votes, all stakeholders must avoid inflammatory statements capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The spokesman highlighted the administration’s efforts to promote peaceful elections through engagements with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders across the senatorial district.
He reiterated that the credibility of any election depends on transparency, peaceful conduct and the ability of voters to freely choose their representatives without intimidation or interference.
The state government assured residents of Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba local government areas that adequate security measures would be in place to guarantee a peaceful and credible exercise.
Ahemba reaffirmed government’s confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, expressing optimism that the June 20 by-election would be free, fair and reflective of the will of the people.
He called on political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid spreading falsehoods capable of heating up the political atmosphere ahead of the poll.
“The votes of the people will count, and the government remains committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election,” he said.
