Governor Fintiri Laments Nigeria's Democracy, Criticizes Edo Governorship Election Results

Ahmadu Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, has voiced his concerns about the state of Nigeria's democracy following the outcome of the Edo State governorship election. On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21 election.

In a statement released on Sunday, Fintiri expressed deep sorrow over the election results, condemning the process as deplorable. He criticized the involvement of APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who allegedly defied police movement regulations by using a private plane to enter the state on election day. Fintiri argued that such actions demonstrate a lack of respect for democratic principles.

"The APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, while their governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters, is a blatant disregard for democratic norms," Fintiri said.

The governor also claimed that Nigeria’s democracy is under attack, citing alleged vote-buying, disruptions to the collation process, and suspicious results that showed more votes than registered voters. Fintiri shared results from INEC's Irev portal, which he argued showed discrepancies in the election outcome.

"What’s truly shameful is the desperate attempt by the APC to discredit me by falsely claiming I announced results. This won't distract from the real issue, which is the manipulation of the democratic process," he added.

Fintiri’s statement also echoed the frustrations of many Nigerians, who have expressed outrage over the conduct of the election. He urged for accountability and called for condemnation of what he referred to as the "rape of democracy."

“The world is watching, and Nigeria deserves better,” Fintiri concluded.