INEC Rolls Out Ballot Materials For Nasarawa Senatorial By-election

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the final phase of preparations for Saturday’s Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election, with the distribution of sensitive materials to three local government areas.

The resident electoral commissioner (REC) for Nasarawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq, yesterday supervised the handover of the materials to electoral officers at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lafia.

The materials are destined for Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba LGAs.

Sadiq said the commission would open 583 polling units and 35 Registration Area Centres across the senatorial district. Polls are scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20.

“We have adequately trained our ad-hoc staff, including members of the National Youth Service Corps, to deliver a seamless, credible and transparent election,” Sadiq said.

He added that INEC has worked with security agencies to safeguard personnel and materials throughout the exercise.

The distribution was observed by Resident Electoral Commissioners from Bauchi and Ekiti states, alongside National Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Mallam Haruna Kudu Ibrahim.

The Nasarawa North seat became vacant earlier this year, prompting INEC to fix the bye-election for this weekend.

In a related development, the Counter and Mobilisation Team of the Rtd IGP Adamu 2027 Movement has endorsed former minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, as its preferred candidate for the by-election.

The by-election became necessary following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, whom the team described as “a bridge-builder with an indelible grassroots connection” and “a tireless advocate for the socio-economic advancement” of the senatorial district.

Hon. Isa Nathaniel, Chairman, Counter & Mobilization Team,

Rtd IGP Adamu 2027 Movement, gave the endorsement on behalf of the team during its meeting with Maku in Akwanga on Thursday.

Speaking, Isah said its decision followed an exhaustive and objective review of all the contenders, as well as extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the district.

According to him, Maku emerged as “the most qualified, competent and prepared candidate” to continue the developmental strides of the late senator.

He noted that Maku enjoys widespread acceptance across the three local government areas of Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon, stressing that his political identity transcends ethnic, cultural and religious boundaries.

He highlighted Maku’s impressive public service record, which includes serving as National President of the Eggon Cultural Development Association, Commissioner for Information in Nasarawa State, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and Minister of Information of the Federation.

Isah further credited Maku with a longstanding commitment to quality education, youth mentorship and women’s economic empowerment, adding that his experience at the federal level would enable him to effectively represent the district from the outset.

“The district cannot afford a period of apprenticeship. It needs a representative with immediate federal recognition and political capital,” he said.

He also addressed the political status of its principal, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, confirming that he had resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and had yet to declare his next political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, the chairman reaffirmed the team’s unwavering loyalty and support for the former police chief, stating that the movement remained fully mobilised, structured and prepared for the broader Rtd IGP Adamu Nasarawa Project.

He urged its supporters to remain calm, focused and united while awaiting official communication from Adamu regarding his political direction.

He called on loyal supporters, progressives and advocates of sustainable development in the district to vote massively for Maku on June 20, describing the election as a conscious choice for the continuation of Senator Akwashiki’s landmark achievements.

He noted further appealed to voters, youth groups, party faithful and security agencies to maintain peace, civility and decorum before, during and after the election, stressing that democracy can only thrive in a secure and peaceful environment where every legitimate vote counts.

Responding to the endorsement, Maku expressed appreciation to the group for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide sound, quality and effective representation for the people of Nasarawa North if elected.

The Nasarawa North Senatorial District comprises Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State.