Nasarawa North on Edge: All Eyes on Maku as Calls Mount for Senate Bid

The Nasarawa North Senatorial Zone is buzzing with anticipation and political fervor following the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki on December 31, 2025, creating a vacuum that has sparked intense speculation about potential successors.
Stakeholders, community leaders, and constituents across Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas are increasingly turning their gaze toward former Minister of Information and ex-Deputy Governor, Hon. Labaran Maku, urging him to throw his hat into the ring for the impending by-election to replace his late kinsman from the Eggon ethnic group.
Senator Akwashiki, aged 52, passed away in an Indian hospital after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy as the first and only senator from the zone to secure two consecutive terms (2019 and 2023). Elected initially on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform before defecting to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), he was widely praised for grassroots development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure projects that touched nearly every community in the district.
His demise has not only plunged the zone into mourning but also ignited discussions on zoning, ethnic balance, and capable representation. With the seat now vacant midway through the 10th Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to announce a by-election timeline soon, heightening the clamor for a strong, experienced candidate.
At the forefront of these calls is Labaran Maku, a prominent son of Nasarawa Eggon and a household name in Nigerian politics. As a former federal minister and deputy governor, Maku brings a wealth of experience, national connections, and a track record of advocacy for the zone’s interests. Supporters argue that his candidacy would ensure continuity in effective representation.
“Labaran Maku is the natural choice,” said a community leader from Nasarawa Eggon, speaking anonymously. “He understands our challenges—security, infrastructure, education—and has the stature to deliver at the national level. The zone needs someone who can hit the ground running.”
Similar sentiments echo across party lines, with youth groups, women associations, and traditional rulers reportedly mounting pressure through consultations and public appeals. While some voices within the APC have floated other names, including potential endorsements for outgoing Governor Abdullahi Sule to transition to the Senate in 2027, the immediate by-election has shifted focus to Maku’s potential entry.
As of now, Maku has remained silent on the mounting calls, neither confirming nor declining interest. Sources close to the former minister indicate he is consulting widely with family, elders, and political associates before making a pronouncement. His past ambitions, including gubernatorial runs, suggest a deep commitment to service in Nasarawa State.
The zone’s political landscape adds intrigue: Nasarawa North has long agitated for greater equity in state power-sharing, with recent demands for the 2027 governorship ticket zoned to the area. A Maku Senate bid could serve as a bridge, consolidating influence ahead of broader contests.
Political analysts note that Maku’s decision could reshape alliances in the state. If he contests, likely on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he holds significant sway, it could intensify multi-party rivalries in a zone known for competitive elections.
For now, the people of Nasarawa North wait with bated breath. In a district still grieving the loss of a dedicated representative, the hope is for leadership that honors Akwashiki’s legacy while propelling the zone forward. All eyes remain fixed on Labaran Maku’s next move.