The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed allegations by Labour Party candidate Labaran Maku that there are plans to manipulate the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

Speaking in Lafia, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s aide on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, challenged Maku to present evidence of the alleged plot to INEC and security agencies rather than making public accusations.

The government’s response followed Maku’s claim that certain electoral wards in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area had been targeted for manipulation ahead of the poll.

Ahemba maintained that the state government has never interfered in electoral processes and has no control over the deployment of security personnel during elections.

He assured residents of Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas that the bye-election would be conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner, with security agencies providing adequate protection for voters.

The governor’s aide also urged politicians to refrain from making statements capable of creating tension, stressing that democratic processes should be allowed to proceed without unnecessary controversy.

According to him, the APC and its candidate are focused on voter engagement and grassroots mobilisation rather than election manipulation.

Ahemba further expressed concern over comments suggesting that disputes arising from the election could trigger insecurity, calling on political actors to act responsibly throughout the electoral process.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law and peaceful elections, while expressing confidence in INEC and security agencies to deliver a free and fair senatorial bye-election.