The Labour Party (LP) senatorial candidate for the Nasarawa North bye-election, Labaran Maku, has urged eligible voters to come out en masse to vote for him and protect their votes.

The by-election, slated for June 20, followed the demise of Godiya Akwashiki.

Mr Maku, a former minister of information, made the call on Wednesday in Wakama while speaking ahead of the June 20 by-election.

He said he joined the race to deliver much-needed dividends of democracy to the zone and to contribute positively to national development.

“First, I want to thank stakeholders, various groups, women, and youths for calling on me and supporting my aspiration. By God’s grace, I will not fail them if elected to the Red Chamber on June 20.

“I want to use this medium to call on the electorate to come out en masse, vote for me, and protect their votes during the election,” he advised.

The former deputy governor of the state also pledged to empower youth and women and initiate people-oriented projects, if elected.

“I also want to assure the people that I will set up the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki Foundation to support the poor and train future leaders.

“The late distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki did well and was the best senator Nasarawa North ever produced.

“Setting up a foundation in his name is to honour him and improve the standard of living of the poor, other less privileged persons, and the wider community,” Mr Maku said.

The former minister further emphasised that he would complete all projects started by the late senator to improve the living standards of people in the zone.

He pledged effective and sound representation in the Red Chamber if elected senator.

Mr Maku urged residents of the zone and the state to live in peace and unity with one another, irrespective of their affiliations. 

(NAN)