Labaran Maku, the Labour Party candidate for the upcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for June 20, has voiced serious allegations regarding a planned manipulation of the electoral process. Speaking at a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, the former Minister of Information identified nine wards within the district that he claims are being targeted for vote rigging.
According to Maku, these wards are considered vulnerable due to their high voter turnout and strong support for the Labour Party. He asserted that certain political actors, alarmed by his rising popularity, are devising strategies to influence the election outcome. Maku emphasized that the Labour Party enjoys significant grassroots backing, especially in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba local government areas, which bolsters the party’s confidence.
“We have credible intelligence indicating moves to interfere with the electoral process because some individuals have realized that the electorate is determined to vote for change,” Maku stated. He further alleged plans to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that such actions could lead to political tension and erode public trust in democracy.
The Labour Party candidate called on federal authorities and security agencies to remain impartial and resist any political pressure that might compromise the election’s integrity. He expressed concern about the redeployment of several senior security officers in the state, likening it to events in previous elections.
Maku also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly conducting an intransparent primary election, claiming the party imposed an unpopular candidate. Despite his apprehensions, he voiced optimism about his electoral prospects, noting that voters in Nasarawa North have historically favored candidates based on competence and track record over party affiliation. He urged residents to remain peaceful and vigilant as the election approaches.