The Labour Party candidate for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election, Labaran Maku, has raised concerns over what he described as an alleged plan to compromise the electoral process in parts of the district.
Speaking during a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed that nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been identified as targets for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.
Maku alleged that certain political interests were becoming uneasy over the growing popularity of his candidacy across the senatorial district and were therefore exploring measures to influence the outcome of the poll.
According to him, the Labour Party enjoys widespread grassroots support, particularly in Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, which he said has strengthened the party’s confidence ahead of the election.
“We have credible information suggesting that there are moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the people are determined to vote for change,” Maku stated.
He further alleged that plans were underway to deploy political thugs to disrupt voting in strategic locations, warning that any attempt to undermine the will of the electorate could trigger political tension and undermine public confidence in democracy.
The Labour Party candidate also called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality during the election, urging them to resist any form of political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise.
He expressed concern over what he described as the redeployment of some senior security officers within the state, alleging that the move mirrored developments witnessed during previous political contests.
Labaran Maku further claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not conducted a transparent primary election for the bye-election, insisting that an unpopular candidate had been imposed on party members.
Despite his concerns, Maku expressed optimism about his chances at the poll, maintaining that voters in Nasarawa North have consistently demonstrated political maturity by supporting candidates based on competence, credibility and track record rather than party affiliation.
The former minister urged residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election enter the final stages.
Nasarawa North bye-election: Maku alleges plot to manipulate result, names nine vulnerable wards