Maku Alleges Plot to Rig Nasarawa North By-Election

Former Minister of Information and Labour Party candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election, Labaran Maku, has alleged that the state government is planning to rig the June 20 poll.

Daily Trust reported that Maku, addressing a press conference in his country home near Akwanga, said plans were already under way to manipulate security operatives and disrupt key local government areas in favour of the ruling party. He claimed the government had resolved to undermine the election after internal reviews showed it had no path to victory.

Maku alleged that efforts were being made to change the Mobile Police, MOPOL, officer in Akwanga and reassign other police personnel slated to manage the election. He said reports available to his campaign team indicated that security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, had been approached over the postings.

He also accused the government of planning to “deploy thugs” to nine electoral wards in Nasarawa Local Government Area on election day to disrupt voting. Citing the APC primaries in the zone, Maku said soldiers were deployed and violence erupted in Moro, where people were reportedly wounded, and argued that pattern was being carried into the June 20 election.

Reacting, the Nasarawa State Government described the allegations as false and unfounded. Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, said the government had no intention of undermining the electoral process and was focused on vigorous grassroots campaigning across the three local government areas in the district.

The by-election is being held to fill the seat vacated by the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki.

Sources: Daily Trust