Gov Fintiri Condemns ‘Shameful’ Edo Election, Accuses APC of Undermining Democracy

Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri of Adamawa State has expressed deep concern over the conduct of the recent Edo gubernatorial election, describing it as a “shameful” affront to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement made on his verified X page on Sunday, Fintiri lambasted the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly compromising the election process and resorting to intimidation tactics.

“I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo gubernatorial poll,” the governor stated, accusing APC of desperate efforts to deflect from the real issues by falsely claiming he announced election results.

“I merely shared results from INEC’s Irev portal, as collated by INEC from the various Local Government Areas,” he clarified.

Fintiri also criticized the APC’s national chairman for arriving in Edo on election day via a private jet, in defiance of movement restrictions, and accused the party’s governors of using armoured escorts to intimidate voters.

“This blatant disregard for democratic norms is the real brigandage,” Fintiri said, adding that Nigerians are outraged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly compromising and favouring APC.

He highlighted reports of vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results, including more votes than accredited voters, as evidence that trust in the electoral process has been severely undermined.

“Democracy indeed is under attack,” the governor warned, calling on Nigerians to condemn what he termed the “rape of democracy” and to demand accountability from those responsible.

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

Governor Fintiri’s strong statement has further fueled the ongoing debate about the integrity of the Edo gubernatorial election, sparking calls for urgent electoral reforms.

Historic Turnout: Edo senior citizens flock to polls

Elderly residents of Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo, flocked to polling stations on Saturday to participate in the ongoing governorship election, making history with a record turnout of senior citizens.

Many were seen walking with the aid of crutches and walking sticks, while others received assistance from family members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the large turnout was largely driven by a strong motivation to support the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, a native of Ewohimi.

The scene was particularly heartwarming, as many elderly individuals expressed their determination to exercise their civic rights, with some having not voted in years.

Mr Honda Ikehide, the 91-year-old community head, said “I have lived long enough to know when something important is happening.

“Today, we are standing with our own.”

Similarly, Mr Wilson Bello shared, “It is a great day for us.

“Our people are united, especially our elderly, who understand the significance of this moment.

“Ewohimi has never seen this level of participation by our elderly population, and it is because we believe in the capacity and vision of our son, who is one of us.”

Bello said that the atmosphere was filled with optimism and a sense of shared purpose, as the community expressed hope for a brighter future with one of their own vying for a leadership position.

“Our turnout, in spite of the odds, is a testament to our resolve and desire for progress of Ewohimi and the state in general.

“This sentiment reflects the broader aspirations of the Esan people, who feel it’s their turn to produce the governor, given their significant contribution to Edo State,” he added.

Edo Election: EFCC storms polling units in Benin

The officials of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), on Saturday stormed polling units in Benin, the Edo State Capital in a bid to avert vote buying in the ongoing governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the operatives who were clad in their branded camouflage uniforms and vests combed the surroundings in and around the polling booths in search of vote buyers.

At the Oredo ward 1, domiciled at the former Garrick Memorial College, the operatives were seen combing even a dilapidated structure in the premises.

Meanwhile, some electorate have faulted the style of operation deployed by the EFCC in discharging their duty.

According to one Eric Elijah, the EFCC should have operated as undercover agents without wearing their uniforms or any of their paraphernalia.

“That way, they will be able to intercept vote buyers. But with the way  they came now, everyone knows that these are EFCC people, so even the vote buyers adjusted.”

Elijah also said that the operatives should have been at the polling booth much earlier to catch “red-handed” those indulging in the act.

On his expectations from the potential winner of the election, he said that the person should be magnanimous in victory as well as govern the state without fear or favour to anyone irrespective of the role of such a person in his emergence.

He also urged the prospective winner to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to the residents and be in constant touch with the grassroots.

Similarly, Mr Lugard Osaro, an Octogenarian said he expected the winner to build and consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing governor.

He commended the presence of the EFCC in the polling booth.

At Oredo ward 3, Ezomon Primary School, the electorate, noted that the operatives of the EFCC should have been at their various duty post on time.

They also emphasised the need for INEC to allow the vote of the people to count.