By Leo Zwanɡe, Lafia
In Nasarawa’s local government election, prominent political figures, including former Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura and APC Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, cast their votes and praised the election’s peaceful and credible conduct.
Senator Al-Makura, who voted at Lungun Wambai polling unit in Gayam Ward, Lafia Local Government Area, described the election as a positive step for local governance. “This election has shown that people are conducting themselves with respect, and it is free and fair,” Al-Makura said. “The winner will represent all the people of the constituency as their chairman.” He further commended the election officials, highlighting the presence of a strong APC national team ensuring adherence to both the party’s and Nigeria’s constitutions.
Al-Makura also called for transparency and accountability from those elected, emphasizing that “for democracy to endure, elected officials must prioritize fairness and transparency in their administration.”
APC Chairman Dr. Aliyu Bello, voting at Rimi Uku polling unit in Gayam Ward, applauded the calm atmosphere, calling it “one of the most credible exercises” in Nasarawa State. “Peace is paramount, and I am pleased to see that everyone is able to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and fairly,” Bello stated.
Dr. Bello reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to its manifesto, contrasting it with opposition parties’ approaches. “The APC has clear objectives, unlike some parties that inject religious and ethnic sentiments into every election. These groups act more as movements than political entities,” he remarked. Criticizing opposition parties that abstained from the election, Bello added, “Any party that doesn’t participate in an election is not a political party but a movement.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Sagiria Ibrahim, the ADC candidate from Gayam Ward, expressed confidence in his potential victory, noting the smooth conduct in his ward’s seven polling units. “By God’s grace, in four hours, I will be announced as the winner,” he said.
