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

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.