The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed allegations of a plan to manipulate the upcoming Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election scheduled for June 20th, 2026, describing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
The response follows accusations by Labour Party senatorial candidate and former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who alleged that the state government was working to influence the election outcome in parts of the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area and had collaborated with security agencies to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at a press briefing in Lafia, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, insisted that the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule remains committed to democratic principles and has never interfered in electoral processes.
According to Ahemba, “The allegations are nothing more than an attempt to create unnecessary tension ahead of the election. The government has no history of manipulating elections and has no intention of doing so now.”
He argued that Maku’s claims reflected anxiety over his chances at the polls, adding that electoral success is determined by voters rather than media narratives.
Ahemba also rejected the allegation that Governor Sule met with security chiefs to coordinate a rigging strategy.
He explained that the governor was outside the state on official engagements with investors in Lagos and Abuja on the date the alleged meeting was said to have taken place.
“The governor was occupied with activities aimed at attracting investment and promoting economic growth. The meeting being referenced simply never happened,” he stated.
The government further emphasised that the deployment and transfer of police personnel fall under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police and the hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force, not the state government.
“It is important to note that the state government neither controls police postings nor requests any redeployment of officers,” Ahemba said.
He challenged the Labour Party candidate to submit any evidence of electoral misconduct to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies rather than making public accusations without proof.
The government also expressed concern over remarks suggesting that disputes arising from the election could lead to unrest, warning against statements capable of heating up the political atmosphere.
Ahemba assured residents of Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas that their votes would be protected and counted.
“Election outcomes are decided by voters at polling units, not by allegations made at press conferences,” he said, expressing confidence that INEC and security agencies would conduct a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.
