Nasarawa govt calls Maku’s rigging claims “baseless political grandstanding” ahead of June 20 bye-election

From John D. WADA, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed allegations of a rigging plot raised by Labour Party senatorial candidate Labaran Maku, describing them as “baseless, malicious and political grandstanding” ahead of the June 20 bye-election for Nasarawa North.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, made the rebuttal on Friday during a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Lafia.

–Maku alleged ward manipulation, police redeployment–

Maku, a former Deputy Governor and Minister of Information, had on Wednesday at Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon LGA, claimed that nine electoral wards had been earmarked for manipulation.

He also alleged that Governor Sule was collaborating with the police to redeploy senior officers to influence the election.

Ahemba rejected the claims in their entirety.

“These claims are not only political grandstanding but also the product of a candidate rattled by his own poor standing among the electorate,” he said.

He added that Governor Sule had never directed or encouraged interference in any election since 2019.

“It’s on record that Mr. Maku has lost every election he stood for alone. He can only claim to have won on a joint ticket with the first democratically elected governor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu,” Ahemba stated.

–Police deployment not governor’s duty–

The SSA faulted Maku’s allegation that police area commanders were being redeployed to aid rigging, calling it “reckless.”

He noted that deployment of police personnel falls under the constitutional mandate of the Inspector General of Police, not the state governor.

“Contrary to Maku’s claim that the governor held a meeting at Government House with security chiefs to perfect a plan, the governor was in Lagos and Abuja promoting investment prospects for the state,” Ahemba said.

He challenged Maku to present any credible evidence to INEC or security agencies instead of making sweeping allegations in the media.

–Govt pledges peaceful poll–

Ahemba also criticized Maku’s suggestion that electoral grievances could trigger insecurity.

He called on the police to hold the former minister responsible if violence erupts.

“The people of Nasarawa North deserve a peaceful and orderly process. Government is committed to working with all relevant agencies to ensure a peaceful exercise on June 20, 2026,” he said.

He said the Sule administration had consistently respected democratic principles since 2019, witnessed peaceful elections, and allowed representatives from across party lines to emerge at state and national levels.

Ahemba reassured voters in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba LGAs that their votes would count and security agencies would protect them before, during and after the election.

“Government has been engaging traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups to promote peace. The credibility of an election is determined not by who wins, but by whether the process is transparent and reflective of the will of voters,” he added.

The Nasarawa North senatorial seat became vacant following the death of the senator. INEC has fixed the bye-election for June 20, 2026.