Labaran Maku, the Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, has raised serious concerns over alleged plans to manipulate the electoral process in key areas of the district. Speaking at a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, Maku claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon have been targeted for electoral interference due to their high voter turnout and strong support for the Labour Party. He stated that political actors are increasingly uneasy about his rising popularity and are reportedly planning to influence the outcome through unethical means.
Maku emphasized that the Labour Party has built significant grassroots support across Nasarawa North, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba local government areas. This support, he said, has boosted the party’s confidence ahead of the bye-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 declared during the event.
He further alleged that political thugs may be deployed to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that such actions could lead to political tension and erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Maku called on federal authorities and security agencies to remain neutral and resist any political pressure that might compromise the integrity of the election. He expressed concern over the recent redeployment of senior security officers within Nasarawa State, noting that such moves have historically been linked to electoral manipulation.
Maku also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for conducting a non-transparent primary election, claiming that an unpopular candidate was imposed on party members without proper consultation. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his chances, citing the electorate’s history of choosing candidates based on competence and credibility rather than party loyalty.
The former Minister of Information urged voters to remain peaceful, vigilant, and committed to democratic principles as the bye-election draws near. He stressed that the people of Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity and are capable of making informed decisions. With the election just days away, Maku’s warnings highlight the growing tensions surrounding the electoral process and underscore the need for credible, transparent, and peaceful voting in the region.
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