The full list of candidates for the upcoming June 20, 2026, by-election in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District has been made public by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Four candidates have been confirmed to run for the district’s open Senate seat in the list released by the electoral body.

Halilu Onda Enyulu-Uza of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Maku Labaran of the Labour Party (LP), John Paul Aaraneshi of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are among those who have been cleared by INEC.

The final round of by-election preparations begins with the release of the final list, and political parties are anticipated to step up their campaigns in each of the five local government districts that comprise the senatorial district.

In accordance with the Electoral Act and established electoral standards, INEC had previously promised stakeholders that it would carry out a free, fair, and credible poll.

Akwanga, Wamba, Nassarawa Eggon, Kokona, and Nasarawa Local Government Areas are all included in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District.

Now that the final list has been released, focus is turning to the campaigns and the June 20 election.

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What started as a monstrous terrorist attack on communities in Odeni Gida Ward of Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has now morphed into something far more disturbing – the alleged occupation of deserted communities by the same terrorists alleged to have displaced the people.

But survivors say their pain hasn’t ended months after coordinated attacks killed more than 80 people across several communities.

Homes were torched, food stores looted, farms abandoned and properties worth hundreds of millions razed.

Beyond the bloodshed and the displacement, many residents now fear a concerted effort to reframe what happened, to bury the truth under the softer language of “communal clash.”

From the outset of the violence, many residents and community voices rejected attempts to frame the attacks as routine communal unrest. They said that there was a coordinated armed invasion by alleged heavily armed Fulani attackers who stormed into several communities simultaneously.

However, some government and security officials continued to repeatedly use the “communal clash” narrative, which many residents affected by the violence feel did not reflect the scale and nature of the killings.

For many survivors, it was not only semantics, but also what that classification could eventually mean accountability, justice, compensation, and even ownership of ancestral lands.

Another bitter pill to swallow was the report of a recent visit to the affected areas by the Special Assistant on Community Engagement to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Abiodun Essiet.

Some of the attacked communities remain largely deserted, with displaced villagers not having fully returned home because of fear and insecurity.

“Some of the same people named as perpetrators in the attacks now openly graze cattle in those deserted communities, unchallenged,” residents say.

Many locals believe the development has fed suspicions that the attacks may have been more than simple reprisals.

“The very communities they displaced are now in the grip of the attackers.

“Which tells you this was never just a fight. “It was a conquest,” bewailed a resident.

Online videos and photographs appear to bear out the scale of the displacement, showing villagers, including women and children, running with loads balanced on their heads as they fled for safety in neighboring settlements.

The continued isolated reports of attack and intimidation, especially on the farmlands, coupled with the perception that the issue is slowly dropping from the public’s consciousness, has further added to residents’ frustration.

Some in the community say local leaders are sabotaging the justice push by participating in reconciliation meetings that critics say too quickly framed the crisis as behind them while victims still are displaced.

At one point, relief materials meant for the affected persons were reportedly distributed in a manner that some residents felt was equating the victims with the alleged attackers, a move critics say reinforced the “communal clash” narrative they had consistently opposed.

While meetings have since taken place between affected communities and Fulani leaders, residents say little has been heard about whether agreements reached during those engagements were ever implemented or respected.

At the same time reports of new attacks on farmers and insecurity in surrounding areas have gone on quietly, while public conversations about the tragedy slowly dwindled.

One of the most vocal critics of the official narrative is Yahaya Kana Ismaila, who says the attacks bear the hallmarks of organised armed violence, not communal conflict.

The affected Eloyi communities have no ethnic ties or territorial identity with the armed men alleged to have carried out the attacks, a major factor that, he argues, weakens claims that the violence was communal in nature.

He said the attackers came in large numbers and with sophisticated weapons, attacked multiple settlements at once, burned down homes and forced residents to flee.

The argument over terminology has since become central to the crisis itself. Authorities and some stakeholders continue to describe the violence as communal unrest, but many residents believe that such descriptions risk trivialising the seriousness of what happened.

Reacting, a public affairs commentator, Kana, described the Udege killings as a grim reminder of the rising insecurity in the state. He warned that the continued absence of arrests and accountability could further deepen fear and hopelessness among the residents.

As of his reaction, no suspect had been arrested despite reports of over 70 people losing their lives in the attacks, he said, adding that this raises serious concerns about justice and protection for vulnerable communities.

It was unfortunate that homes, farm produce, motorcycles and livelihoods built over several years were destroyed, he said, adding that many families affected may never fully recover from the losses inflicted on them.

He also argued that the crisis had created a situation where many rural residents now feel abandoned and helpless, more so in the wake of the recurring attacks linked to disputes over kidnapping, grazing and destruction of farmlands.

“The reality is harsh that many innocent people have been traumatised, displaced and uncertain about their future.

“Whole communities have been destroyed, and those who survive are expected to return and rebuild their lives amid fear and insecurity,” he said.

He warned that unless security agencies and government authorities take decisive action, the perception that armed groups can attack communities without consequences may embolden criminal elements across the state.

As fear grips affected communities, residents have continued to make desperate pleas for urgent intervention from the Nasarawa State and Federal Governments.

Speaking of the fresh tension in some areas of Odeni Gida Ward, Abdulwahid Angala Odeni described the situation as devastating.

My people are broken, without a home. Radical hoodlums Fulani herdsmen are invading my heritage. Odeni Gida Ward, Udege Development Area, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

“We appeal to the Government of Nasarawa State to come to our rescue.

The second resident, Suleiman Otto Wakili, also appealed to the federal government to intervene.

“Fulani herdsmen attacked Sabon Gida Angwa Ogiri in Odeni Gida Ward in Nasarawa State. He said, “Please, the Federal Government should do something about our situation.

Many displaced residents appear to be losing faith in local authorities fast.

There are growing questions over the response of Nasarawa State Government, security agencies and emergency institutions.

There has also been a specific concern raised about the lack of large scale humanitarian support, despite early promises that aid would be provided to support displaced persons and promote safe return to affected communities.

Now many victims feel that the only option left is to take their case directly to the Presidency and call for federal intervention, before more communities are lost forever to fear, displacement and silence.

While displaced families wander between uncertainty and survival, one painful question echoes through Odeni Gida:

So if the people can’t go back home safely, then who actually owns the land now?

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The ongoing political battle in Nasarawa State between Governor Abdullahi Sule and former governor Tanko Al-Makura is quickly turning into a liability for the APC’s wider fortunes, especially given Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral strength in the state.

Stakeholders are becoming divided as a result of Sen. Almakura’s efforts to abandon the zoning formula that encourages peaceful cohabitation. By inciting internal divides and supporting internal conflicts, he has escalated his divisive rhetoric.

The incapacity of political heavyweights to balance legacy power with current authority is a well-known yet perilous tendency at the core of the problem. Due to his declining popularity in Nasarawa politics, Al-Makura, the former governor of the state who lost the Senate race, seems unable to face reality and make room for Sule, who now controls the government apparatus and the devotion that comes with incumbency. Although this conflict is common, it is being handled in a way that could cause the party’s base to become divided.

The persistent projection of parallel authority is one of Al-Makura’s most significant errors. Sule permitted his predecessor’s appointees to remain in office for continuity and a smooth transition, in contrast to other climes where incumbents upload their followers. Despite the fact that this could seem like his downfall, these appointees have now changed their allegiance to the Governor because of his genuine intentions. Al-makura fools himself into thinking he can hold onto party structures. He is unintentionally supporting opposing blocs in an effort to create the impression that the House is divided. As the Lord of the Manor, he has persisted in deceiving candidates. Such misdirected messages lead to uncertainty about direction and leadership, which frequently stifles voter enthusiasm.

The timing of these maneuvers is equally harmful. Internal strife at the state level sends the incorrect message, as national political considerations already lean toward consolidation ahead of upcoming elections. The continuous battle runs the risk of creating gaps that opposition groups could take advantage of rather than strengthening the APC’s hold over Nasarawa.

The issue of electoral repercussions is another. Tinubu’s vote bank has always benefited from Nasarawa’s support, but party leaders’ unity is crucial to maintaining stability. Ward and local government levels, where elections are frequently held, may be affected when powerful individuals are thought to be at odds with the governor. Disillusioned party members may quietly oppose mobilization attempts, defect, or disengage.

Furthermore, the story of cohesive government is undermined by the optics of elite conflict. Voters are more interested on concrete results than in former this and that. At a time when public expectations are high, prolonged infighting runs the risk of making the APC appear inward-looking.

Al-Makura’s perceived political status and his services to the state are further diminished by this. But his strategy seems more and more ineffective in the current situation. In politics, power involves timing, moderation, and strategic alignment in addition to retention.

President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s electoral power in this crucial North Central State of Nassarawa could be the true casualty if this trend continues.

The party’s greatest valuable political asset is still unity rather than rivalry.

Gov. Abdullahi Sule, the Chairman of the APC North Central Forum, continues to be the go-to person for organizing and delivering Nassarawa State and the North Central zone.

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The Kano State government has stated that it is not involved in any planned gathering linked to the Nasarawa Palace Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

The clarification was issued by the Director General of Media and Publicity to the Kano State Governor, Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on his Facebook page.
He spoke after reports circulated by supporters of the Nasarawa Palace claiming that the event was being organised in collaboration with the Kano State Government and its supporters.

The claims caused concern among supporters of the Emir of Kano at Kofar Kudu, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Reacting to the situation, Malam Sanusi Bature dismissed the reports, describing them as false.

It is recalled that the Kano Emirate dispute between Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II and Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero has divided the region. Sanusi II was restored to the throne following the victory of Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Since then, a clear line has been drawn: the state government recognises Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, while Aminu Ado Bayero is supported by elements from the Federal Government.
With Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reportedly set to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, the emirate dispute may take a new direction over time.

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Nasarawa United technical adviser, Mbwas Mangut has promised that his team will return for the second stanza of the season with more hunger.

The Solid Miners, who battled relegation for the majority of last term have impressed in the NPFL this season.
Nasarawa United finished the first stanza in fourth position with 32 points.

The Lafia club ended 2025 with a 3-0 loss to Kano Pillars.
“We have had a great run, and this setback won’t deter us, We will return with a vengeance and show everyone what we are capable of,” Mangut told the club’s media.

The experienced tactician is adamant that his team will show more quality in the second stanza.

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The Migili Youth Association denounces the murderous attack on wedding guests, which Nasarawa Police have confirmed.

At least three people were killed and numerous more were injured in a violent attack on guests attending a traditional wedding in Kunza Community, Ashige Chiefdom, Lafia Local Government Area of the state, according to the Nasarawa State Police Command.
The Migili Youth Association (MYA) strongly condemned the Tuesday night, December 30, 2025, attack, calling it “barbaric and reprehensible.”

The organization said in a statement released by its president, Comrade Ajeh Oli Christopher, that the attack has increased fear and insecurity in the community, particularly among women, children, and the elderly, and that the violence resulted in three fatalities and several injuries.
The statement said, “This senseless act of violence against innocent and law-abiding citizens is an affront to humanity and the shared values of our society and constitutes a grave threat to peace and peaceful coexistence in the area.”

The group urged the Nasarawa State Government to act immediately in response to what it characterized as persistent insecurity in Migili areas.
In order to prevent other attacks and rebuild public trust, the association especially urged Governor Abdullahi A. Sule to send sufficient security officers to Kunza Community and other vulnerable regions inside Ashige Chiefdom.
“To ensure justice for the victims and serve as a strong deterrent, we demand the immediate arrest, thorough investigation, and prosecution of all those involved in this despicable act, in accordance with the law,” the MYA continued.

The Nasarawa State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer confirmed the event and told reporters that immediately the attack was reported, personnel acted quickly.
The police spokeswoman stated, “We recovered two bodies at the scene, while nine injured persons were taken to the hospital for treatment.”
In order to restore peace and stop additional violence, he continued, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, the Commissioner of Police, has sent more police officers to the region.

He added, “The Commissioner of Police has also offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible.”

In order to guarantee long-term peace and security in Migili territory and Nasarawa State as a whole, the Migili Youth Association asked locals to maintain composure, vigilance, and adherence to the law while promising to work with government officials and security agencies.

The post Nasarawa: Police Confirm Deadly Attack on Wedding Guests, Migili Youth Association Condemns Assault appeared first on TheNigerian.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, youths in Nasarawa State have taken to trekking long distances in solidarity with politicians just as campaign season approaches.

The practice, while intended to show support, has raised questions about the welfare of the young participants and the broader implications for the future of political engagement in the state.
Across several communities, images and videos of mostly young men walking for hours or days as the case may be, sometimes under intense heat, have become a familiar sight on social media.

Supporters describe the treks as acts of loyalty and sacrifice.
But for a growing number of observers, the trend is troubling, signalling deeper issues about youth priorities, economic desperation, and the evolving nature of political mobilisation.

A resident known as Ekka Egbi Phillip argued that the trend “only confirms what former President, late Muhammadu Buhari once said about Nigerian youths being lazy,” noting that energy expended on political treks could be channelled into skills acquisition, education, or entrepreneurship.
Another resident who preferred not to be mentioned offered a different perspective, describing the treks as a survival strategy in harsh economic times.

According to him, many participants are motivated by the expectation of material rewards.
“This is now one of the fastest ways young people make money,” he said.
“Some of them are given motorcycles, cash gifts, offered positions of aids when elected, or other incentives by politicians. For someone struggling to survive, that is hard to ignore.”

Beyond the immediate welfare concerns, political analysts warn of long-term consequences for democratic accountability.
Critics argue that when political support is transactional, it weakens citizens’ ability to demand good governance.
“Once votes are effectively paid for through gifts and handouts, it becomes difficult to question leaders or call them to order when they fail,” a civic advocate noted.
“Those who benefited from such inducements may feel morally restrained or silenced when performance falls short.”

According to one respondent, the focus on trekkers risks distorting internal democracy.
“It is now as if trekkers matter more than delegates,” he said.
“Instead of politicians engaging party structures and convincing delegates with ideas and plans, they now invest in spectacles that can be easily monetised,” he said.
He said this in reaction to a comment by one Aminu Mamuda Otaki who implied that Trekkers Matter More Than Delegates right now.
“The health and security implications may be debated, but any aspirant who cannot inspire people to trek for him has no business dreaming of winning the next gubernatorial election, especially in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
“Trends don’t emerge by accident. That some people still fail to grasp its political value is frankly, shocking.
“For us in the business of election management, timing is everything. Trekking in solidarity is the moment. And right now, trekkers matter more than delegates,” Mamuda stated as seen on Nasarawa Mirrors page on Facebook.
Observers argue that this shift could undermine credible candidate selection, as popularity on the road begins to overshadow competence, track record, and policy depth.
There are also fears that such trends may open the door to vote-buying on a larger scale.
The debate gained renewed momentum following a widely shared video posted by a social commentator identified as Ramlat Al-Ameen, who delivered a reflective and emotional critique of the trend.
In the video, she questioned the message being passed on to younger generations.
“Today, I travelled from my town to my state for money, for a symbol, a handshake, a photo, a note. What lesson am I teaching those behind me?”
Ramlat expressed fear that such actions send the wrong signals about success and merit.
“That effort alone does not open doors? That sweat doesn’t speak unless power listens? I fear because I am showing them that hard work doesn’t pay, but proximity does,” she added.
Her comments struck a chord with many youths online, particularly her observation that political proximity now appears more rewarding than personal development.
“We trek to meet politicians, but we don’t trek to meet our potentials,” she said, lamenting that creativity, technical skills, and community service often go unrewarded.
Drawing a stark comparison, Ramlat noted: “This is Naija where trekking gets you a motorcycle, while technical skills get you ignored. No wonder brains are packing bags while legs are winning prizes.”
She concluded with a pointed message on national development: “If trekking gave us jobs, I should have trekked to every state capital by now. But the truth is, it is not legs we need to move forward. It is about minds, skills, and leadership.”
As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, observers in Nasarawa say the situation reflects a broader national challenge, how to transform youthful energy from symbolic political gestures into meaningful civic participation and productive engagement.
For many residents, the concern is no longer just about trekking, but about what it represents: a political culture that rewards visibility over value, loyalty over competence, and short-term gains over long-term empowerment.
Whether this trend deepens or is redirected may shape not only the 2026 elections, but the future role of youths in Nigeria’s democracy.

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The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Mohammed, has imposed a total ban on the burning of used tyres during crossover night activities marking the New Year celebrations across the state.

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A festive carnival in Nassarawa Eggon town, Nasarawa State, turned tragic after three trucks reportedly rammed into participants during a procession organised by the Ame Wo Ba Eggon (AWBE), a socio-cultural group of the Eggon people.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that four persons lost their lives in the incident, which occurred near the Eggon Community Secondary School, the venue of the annual carnival.
According to the Nasarawa State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, the crash happened when one of the trucks drove into a procession moving from the palace of the Aren Eggon, the paramount ruler of the Eggon ethnic group, to the carnival grounds.

Sabo-Adikwu, who spoke to newsmen, said the accident occurred on Sunday, December 28, and was caused by reckless driving.
He disclosed that several other participants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Nassarawa Eggon General Hospital for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital in Lafia.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Nasarawa State said it is partnering with the traditional council in the state to boost the success of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Shehu Wahab, stated this at a meeting with traditional rulers on Tuesday in Lafia.
He noted that the collaboration was to leverage the influence of the traditional institution to encourage eligible citizens to take advantage of the registration exercise.

“Your influence and guardians are essential in promoting awareness about the registration and ensuring that every eligible voter is registered.
“As a commission, we are leveraging technology to make the process more efficient and secure for everybody, including persons living with disabilities,” he said.
Wahab said that the online pre-registration had commenced on Monday, August 18, while the in-person registration would start on August 25.

He added that INEC officials would be at the designated centres from Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays, from 9 am to 3 pm.
“For now, two machines have been deployed for registration at our headquarters in Lafia and at our offices in the 13 local government areas of the state.
“However, as the process progresses, we will deploy more machines,” he said.

Wahab said that the registration is free and any staff caught extorting money from the public under whatever guise would be sanctioned in line with the law.
He urged INEC staff involved in the exercise to avoid any unlawful practices that would tarnish the image of the commission.
He, therefore, called on members of the public to report any staff demanding money for fuel or logistics to the commission for action.

According to him, all necessary arrangements and provisions have been made for the exercise.
On his part, retired Justice Sidi Bage, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Traditional Council, appreciated the REC and his team for recognising them for the engagement.
Bage explained that the traditional institution would collaborate and support the commission to ensure the success of the exercise.
The traditional ruler, however, raised concerns that the two machines provided to every local government area were inadequate and appealed that the exercise be carried out in every electoral ward in the state.

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