Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the outcome of the September 21 Edo State governorship election
He labeled the process a shameful attack on Nigeria’s democracy. Fintiri’s comments followed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the poll.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, Governor Fintiri said he was dismayed by the irregularities that marred the election. “I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo gubernatorial poll,” Fintiri stated. He accused the APC of orchestrating widespread electoral malpractice to secure the governorship seat.
Fintiri raised concerns about the presence of APC leaders, including the party’s national chairman, who reportedly arrived in Edo on election day despite movement restrictions. He further alleged that APC governors used armored convoys to intimidate voters at polling stations.
“This blatant disregard for democratic norms is the real brigandage,” Fintiri said, referencing complaints from voters and observers about disruptions in the collation process, allegations of vote-buying, and suspicious voting numbers. He questioned the validity of the results, noting discrepancies where votes exceeded the number of accredited voters.
The governor condemned the actions of INEC, accusing the electoral body of favoring the APC and compromising the fairness of the election. He warned that such behavior threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, calling it a “rape of democracy” that must be addressed.
Fintiri concluded by urging Nigerians and the international community to demand accountability, stressing that democracy in Nigeria is under attack. “The world is watching, and Nigeria deserves better,” he added.
The controversy surrounding the Edo election has sparked debate nationwide, with many calling for electoral reforms to prevent future irregularities.