The Nasarawa State Government has vehemently dismissed allegations by the former Minister of Information and Labour Party (LP) candidate, Labaran Maku, that there is a plan to manipulate the Saturday, June 20, 2026, Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election.
At a press conference in Lafia, the state capital, Governor Abdullahi Sule, who spoke through one of his aides, the Senior Special Assistant to him on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, described the claims as baseless and malicious and challenged Maku to provide concrete evidence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives in the state.
The reaction followed a press conference organised by Maku in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, where the former Minister of Information alleged that nine electoral wards in the area had been earmarked for manipulation.
The government, which stood its ground, said it has never interfered in elections and has no power over police deployments, contrary to the allegations.
Ahemba assured voters in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba LGAs that the election would be free, fair and peaceful, emphasizing that security agencies would protect voters and ensure every valid vote counts.
He also appealed to politicians to avoid spreading unverified claims capable of creating tension and instead allow the democratic process to take its course.
According to him, “The allegations are entirely unfounded. Gov. Sule has never directed, encouraged or facilitated any action aimed at undermining the electoral process.
The Nasarawa State Government has no authority over such matters and has made no such request.”
Ahemba further maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate were focused on grassroots mobilisation and engagement with voters ahead of the election.
He, however, accused the LP candidate of resorting to what he described as “cheap blackmail” and attempts to create unnecessary tension in the polity.
The governor’s aide also expressed concern over Maku’s comments suggesting that electoral grievances could trigger insecurity in the state.
He urged security agencies to take such remarks seriously and ensure that all political actors conducted themselves responsibly before, during and after the election.
Ahemba asserted that Sule’s administration remained committed to democratic principles, the rule of law and the conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections.
He noted that the state government had continued to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to promote peace and prevent acts that could disrupt the electoral process.
The aide assured residents of Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas that the forthcoming bye-election would be peaceful, transparent and credible.
He expressed confidence in the ability of INEC and security agencies to conduct a successful exercise and pledged the government’s continued support within the confines of the law.
Umar Muhammed
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