The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the final arrangements for the bye-election for Nasarawa North Senatorial District slated for Saturday with the distribution of sensitive materials to three local government areas.

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

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

Sadiq said the commission would open 583 polling units and 35 Registration Area Centres in the senatorial district. Polling places will be open on Saturday, June 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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

He said that INEC had worked with the security agencies to provide personnel and materials for the exercise.

The distribution was witnessed by Resident Electoral Commissioners of Bauchi and Ekiti States as well as the National Commissioner for Voter Education and Publicity, Mallam Haruna Kudu Ibrahim.

The Nasarawa North seat fell vacant earlier this year, and INEC has scheduled 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 team said the by-election was caused by the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki, “a bridge-builder with an indelible grassroots connection” and “a tireless advocate for the socio-economic advancement” of the senatorial district.

Hon. Isa Nathaniel, Counter & Mobilization Team Chairman,

The team got the endorsement from Rtd IGP Adamu 2027 Movement at its meeting with Maku in Akwanga on Thursday.

Speaking, Isah said the decision was reached after a thorough and objective review of all the contenders and wide consultation with key stakeholders across the district.

Maku, he said, was “the most qualified, competent and prepared candidate” to continue the developmental strides of the late senator.

He said Maku is popular in the three local government areas of Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon and that his identity as a politician cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines.

He said that Maku’s public service record was impressive and included National President, Eggon Cultural Development Association; Commissioner for Information, Nasarawa State; Deputy Governor, Nasarawa State and Minister of Information of the Federation.

Isah also praised Maku for his long-standing commitment to quality education, youth mentorship and women’s economic empowerment, saying his federal experience would allow him to hit the ground running in representing the district.

“During the period of apprenticeship the district cannot afford. “We need a representative that has immediate federal recognition, that has political capital,” he said.

He also spoke on the political status of its principal, former Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, 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 re-echoed the team’s absolute loyalty and support for the former police boss, saying the movement is still fully mobilised, structured and ready for the wider Rtd IGP Adamu Nasarawa Project.

He advised the supporters to be calm, focused and united as they await official communication from Adamu on his political direction.

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

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

In his response, Maku appreciated the group for finding him worthy of the endorsement and assured them that he would provide sound, quality and effective representation for the people of Nasarawa North if elected.

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

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