By Isa Nathaniel, Akwanga
The passing of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki was not only a painful loss to his family and loved ones but also a significant loss to the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District. Throughout his tenure, Senator Akwashiki embodied purposeful leadership, grassroots engagement, and unwavering commitment to the development of our people. As we approach the Senate by-election scheduled for June 20, 2026, we are presented with a historic responsibility, not merely to elect a replacement, but to choose a leader capable of sustaining and advancing the developmental vision for which Senator Akwashiki stood.
This election is not just about filling a vacant seat in the Senate. It is about protecting the political relevance of Nasarawa North, strengthening our voice at the national level, and ensuring that the developmental aspirations of our people are not interrupted. The stakes are too high for trial and error. At this critical moment, Nasarawa North must prioritize competence over sentiment, experience over experimentation, and collective progress over personal interests.
For these reasons, Hon. Labaran Maku stands out as the most qualified and capable candidate to represent Nasarawa North in the Senate.
Labaran Maku’s public service record is both extensive and distinguished. From his days as a student leader at the University of Jos, where he demonstrated courage, vision, and advocacy, to his emergence as National President of the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), he consistently distinguished himself as a leader committed to the advancement of his people. His political career subsequently saw him serve with distinction as Commissioner for Information, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, and later Minister of Information of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Few individuals seeking public office in Nasarawa North today can match this breadth of experience across different levels of governance. His exposure to both state and federal administration has equipped him with a deep understanding of policy formulation, legislative engagement, governance, and development planning. More importantly, it has provided him with valuable networks across federal institutions that can be leveraged for the benefit of our people.
The importance of this experience cannot be overstated. At a time when communities across Nigeria are competing aggressively for federal projects, appointments, interventions, and infrastructure, Nasarawa North cannot afford to send a representative who will spend valuable years learning the ropes. We need a senator who can immediately engage federal ministries, departments, and agencies and begin attracting opportunities to our district.
As a former Minister and national figure, Labaran Maku possesses the influence, credibility, and access required to achieve this. His established relationships within the federal system place him in a unique position to secure developmental projects, educational interventions, healthcare initiatives, agricultural support programmes, and employment opportunities for our people.
Beyond his impressive credentials, there are compelling reasons why Labaran Maku remains the best choice for Nasarawa North.
First, he possesses unmatched experience in public service. Having served at various levels of governance, he understands how government works and how to navigate complex bureaucratic processes to achieve results. Experience matters, particularly in a legislative institution where effectiveness often depends on knowledge, networks, and strategic engagement.
Second, he has proven federal reach and connections that can deliver immediate benefits. Representation is not merely about occupying a seat in the National Assembly; it is about bringing development home. Maku’s years of service at the national level have equipped him with relationships that can translate into projects, investments, and opportunities for the people of Nasarawa North.
Third, he has a verifiable record of leadership and service. Throughout his public life, he has demonstrated competence, commitment, and dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens. His leadership journey has been defined by service rather than self-interest, making him a trusted and reliable choice.
Fourth, he is best positioned to attract development to the senatorial district. Our communities face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, poor healthcare facilities, and limited economic opportunities. These challenges require a representative with the influence and capacity to secure federal attention and intervention.
Fifth, he understands the security challenges affecting our communities. Farmers, traders, and rural dwellers continue to face difficulties that threaten livelihoods and economic stability. Given his experience in national governance, Maku is well positioned to engage relevant authorities and advocate effectively for improved security and protection of lives and property.
Sixth, he represents unity across ethnic, religious, and political divides. Nasarawa North is blessed with diversity, and that diversity should be our strength rather than our weakness. Maku’s acceptance across different communities, including the Eggon, Mada, Rindre, and other ethnic nationalities, makes him a unifying figure capable of bringing people together around a common developmental agenda.
Seventh, he has consistently demonstrated commitment to youth and women empowerment. He understands that sustainable development depends on creating opportunities for young people and supporting women as key drivers of economic and social progress. His support for education, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment initiatives reflects this commitment.
Eighth, he can hit the ground running. Unlike newcomers who may require years to build influence and understand the complexities of governance, Maku possesses the experience and exposure necessary to begin delivering results immediately. Nasarawa North simply cannot afford another learning curve.
Ninth, he has the courage and capacity to speak for the people. Effective representation requires a strong voice, one that can articulate the concerns of constituents and command respect at the national level. Throughout his political career, Labaran Maku has consistently demonstrated that ability.
Most importantly, he is best positioned to sustain and advance the legacy of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki. The late Senator dedicated himself to the service of the people and worked tirelessly to strengthen the development prospects of Nasarawa North. Honouring that legacy requires choosing a successor who possesses the experience, capacity, and commitment necessary to continue that vision.
This election should not be reduced to a contest of ethnic sentiments, religious affiliations, or political party loyalties. It should be a referendum on competence, experience, and the future of our people.
The truth is simple: Nasarawa North cannot afford division. History has repeatedly shown that fragmented communities struggle to achieve collective aspirations. The greatest threat to our political future is not external opposition but internal disunity. If personal ambitions and sectional interests are allowed to prevail over collective progress, our people risk losing a valuable opportunity to strengthen their voice at the national level.
I therefore appeal to all stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, women organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions, and socio-cultural bodies across Akwanga, Wamba, and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas to place the interest of Nasarawa North above every other consideration.
This is a time for unity.
This is a time for sacrifice.
This is a time for collective action.
This is a time to reject politics of division, money politics, and political imposition.
The June 20 by-election presents us with a unique opportunity to honour the legacy of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki by ensuring that the seat he occupied continues to be held by a leader capable of defending the interests of our people and advancing the cause of development.
The choice before us is clear.
Nasarawa North deserves experienced leadership.
Nasarawa North deserves effective representation.
Nasarawa North deserves a leader with proven capacity.
Nasarawa North deserves a representative with national reach and local understanding.
Nasarawa North deserves unity, progress, and development.
Above all, Nasarawa North deserves a leader who can build upon the foundation laid by Senator Godiya Akwashiki and take our people to greater heights.
That leader is Hon. Labaran Maku.
On June 20, 2026, let us come together with one purpose and one vision. Let us vote for competence over sentiment, experience over experimentation, and unity over division.
Let us honour Senator Godiya Akwashiki’s legacy through effective representation. Let us vote Labaran Maku.
