June 20 Poll: Nasarawa Assures Voters of Free and Fair Election

The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed allegations of a planned election-rigging operation made by the Labour Party senatorial candidate, Labaran Maku, describing the claims as unfounded, malicious and politically motivated ahead of the June 20 Nasarawa North bye-election.

The government’s position was conveyed on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lafia.
Maku Raises Concerns Over Election Manipulation
Maku, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and former Minister of Information, had alleged on Wednesday in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, that nine electoral wards had been marked for manipulation during the forthcoming election.
He also accused Governor Sule of collaborating with the police to redeploy senior officers as part of efforts to influence the outcome of the poll.
Responding to the allegations, Ahemba dismissed them as entirely false.
According to him, the claims reflect the concerns of a candidate who lacks confidence in his chances at the polls.
“These claims are not only political grandstanding but also the product of a candidate rattled by his own poor standing among the electorate,” Ahemba said.
He added that Governor Sule has never interfered in any electoral process since assuming office in 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 Beyond Governor’s Authority
Ahemba also rejected Maku’s allegation regarding the redeployment of police area commanders, describing the claim as misleading and irresponsible.
He explained that the deployment of police personnel falls exclusively under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police and not that of any 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 urged Maku to present any evidence in his possession to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies instead of making public accusations without proof.
Government Pledges Credible and Peaceful Poll
The governor’s aide also criticized Maku’s suggestion that electoral grievances could trigger insecurity, urging security agencies to hold the former minister accountable if violence results from such comments.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process.
“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.
Ahemba noted that the Sule administration has upheld democratic values since 2019, citing the conduct of peaceful elections and the emergence of elected representatives from various political parties at both state and national levels.
He further assured voters in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas that their votes would count and that security agencies would provide adequate protection 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 serving senator, prompting INEC to schedule a bye-election for June 20, 2026.