Maku Rejects Nasarawa North By‑Election, Calls for Its Cancellation Due to Irregularities

Labour Party (LP) Senatorial candidate Mr Labaran Maku has demanded that the Nasarawa North bye‑election be cancelled, citing widespread irregularities.

Maku made the statement on Sunday during a press briefing at his country home in Wakama, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.

He said the call was necessary because officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not adhered to electoral laws during the exercise.

Maku alleged that the Returning Officer failed to address fraud and manipulation concerns raised by Labour Party agents.

“I have observed that what took place in the bye‑election in Nasarawa was a sham – a complete sham. I consulted with my party. We decided that the best option is to withdraw from the election,” he said. “And we ask INEC to honourably cancel this election and conduct a free and fair election for the senatorial district,” he pleaded.

The LP candidate said he had previously warned the public about the state government’s plans to rig the election.

“Gentlemen of the press, you will notice that prior to this election, I continued to alert the public about plans to disrupt it and to rig the election by the state government. I did so continuously. Now, the evidence is before the public. This election was run by the state government and its officials. INEC simply provided the platform for the government to allocate votes. For your information, on the eve of the election, one or two presiding officers came and reported that appointees of the government warned them that the state government could not be disgraced,” he revealed.

Maku alleged that the election did not take place in Nassarawa Eggon/Alizaga, Umme Ward, and Alushi Wards in Nasarawa Eggon LGA, where only thumb‑printing occurred and the BVAS was not used.

He also mentioned Agyaga and Ningo‑Bohar electoral wards and Gudi polling units in Akwanga LGA, where figures were allegedly manipulated.

“In Wamba, we have cases of thumb‑printing in Mama and quite a number of polling units in Wamba LGA,” he said.

Maku also alleged that in the Akun Development Area, his own area, there were cases of BVAS malfunctions that disenfranchised many of his constituents.

He called on the Federal Government to investigate the election and on INEC for non‑compliance with electoral laws.

“This matter calls for a proper investigation because this is a national embarrassment,” he said.

Maku thanked Rep. Jonathan Gaza, the campaign team of retired IGP Mohammed Adamu, Mr Silas Agara, and other stakeholders for their support during the election.

On their part, Dr Benjamin Ango, the LP Returning Officer for the election, Mr Alidzi Godwin, Jacob Odobi, and Mr Stephen Habila, LP Collation Agents for Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba LGAs respectively, confirmed widespread irregularities.

They said they have evidence of thumb‑printing, non‑use of BVAS, and INEC’s failure to adhere to electoral laws.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the press briefing was attended by Rep. Jonathan Gaza, LP governorship candidate in Nasarawa State; Mr. Adamu Ninga, 2027 LP House of Representatives candidate for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency; and other stakeholders, alongside other party members.

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