Nasarawa by-election: Maku alleges APC rigging plot, party dismisses claim

Labaran Maku, the Labour Party candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial by-election, has accused the Nasarawa State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to manipulate the outcome of the June 20 poll. Maku made these allegations during a press conference in Akpata, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, claiming that certain areas with significant voter populations have been designated for "massive election rigging."

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Because they are intimidated by my popularity across the Nasarawa North senatorial zone, they resolved to rig the election.

Maku, a former Minister of Information, stated that the APC and the state government are resorting to these alleged plans because they are intimidated by his popularity and uncertain of winning. "Because they are intimidated by my popularity across the Nasarawa North senatorial zone, they resolved to rig the election," Maku said. He asserted that the Labour Party holds approximately 80 percent support in the Nassarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba local government areas due to its grassroots initiatives.

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If you go to Nassarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, you will find that the Labour Party has 80 per cent of the support. It is because of our grassroots initiatives and commitment to service to the people.

The Labour Party candidate further alleged that secret meetings are being held to manipulate the election and that political thugs are planned to disrupt the exercise. He urged the Federal Government to caution the state government against using security agencies to influence the election's outcome, warning that such actions could jeopardize the prevailing peace in the state. Maku also criticized the APC for allegedly imposing a candidate without a transparent primary election, asserting that voters prioritize competence and credibility over party affiliation.

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We have reports of secret meetings by the government to rig the election, having seen no chance of winning. There are also plans to use hired political thugs to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the exercise.

In response, the Nasarawa State chapter of the APC dismissed Maku's allegations as unfounded and indicative of fear of impending defeat. Augustine Ogaba, the party's Publicity Secretary, stated in a telephone interview that the claims lack basis, especially given the Independent National Electoral Commission's assurances of a credible electoral process. He questioned why the Labour Party candidate would complain about a potential outcome before the election.

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I wonder why the LP candidate is complaining about a potential outcome before the election.