Adamawa Governor Fintiri Criticizes APC and INEC Over Edo Election, Calls for Accountability

Governor Fintiri Condemns APC and INEC for Edo Election Controversy

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has voiced strong concerns over the Edo election controversy, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of collusion with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the results in favor of the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo. Fintiri, who chaired the Edo PDP National Campaign Council, lamented the alleged hijacking of the election process, claiming it undermined the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to Governor Fintiri, the Edo election controversy escalated when the APC, alongside certain INEC officials and security personnel, took control of the collation process. “The results from the polling units clearly showed our candidate, Asue Ighodalo, leading before the process was taken over by the APC,” Fintiri stated, expressing frustration at the electoral irregularities.

Allegations of Vote Manipulation and Electoral Bias

Governor Fintiri further alleged that the APC fabricated results to ensure the victory of its candidate. He emphasized that the manipulation occurred during the collation of votes at the state level, undermining the credibility of the entire election. He described the Edo election controversy as a blatant violation of democratic norms, calling for immediate scrutiny and accountability from electoral authorities.

The declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the winner by INEC heightened Fintiri’s concerns. In a post on his social media account, Fintiri expressed sorrow for Nigeria’s democracy, highlighting the defiance of movement restrictions by top APC figures, including the party’s national chairman, who allegedly flew into Edo State on a private jet during the election.

Fintiri’s Call for Accountability

Governor Fintiri’s criticism extended beyond the Edo election controversy. He condemned the actions of APC governors, who he claimed used armored escorts to intimidate voters at polling stations. Fintiri called this a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic system, urging Nigerians to demand accountability for the actions that undermined the election process.

“Nigerians are outraged by the reported vote-buying, the disruption of the collation process, and the suspicious results showing more votes than accredited voters,” Fintiri said. “This is a serious attack on our democracy, and we must stand together to defend the democratic rights of the people.”

Democracy Under Attack

Fintiri’s passionate remarks on the Edo election controversy have resonated with many Nigerians who are increasingly skeptical of the electoral process. He warned that if such actions continue to go unchecked, they could erode public trust in democracy and compromise the future of free and fair elections in the country.

“We must condemn this outright assault on democracy and demand accountability from those responsible,” Fintiri urged, emphasizing that the world is watching how Nigeria handles this critical moment in its democratic history.

By shining a light on the Edo election controversy, Governor Fintiri hopes to spark a nationwide dialogue about the future of Nigeria’s electoral system and the need for reform.