Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has voiced his deep concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy, following the recent gubernatorial election in Edo State. In a strongly worded statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Fintiri declared, “I weep for Nigeria’s democracy,” citing the numerous irregularities and undemocratic practices that marred the polls.
Fintiri rebuffed allegations made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of prematurely announcing results. He clarified that he only shared figures directly from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) IReV portal—an official platform where results from Local Government Areas were being collated.
However, the governor’s outrage centered on what he described as “the real issue”—the brazen disregard for electoral norms and the lengths to which the APC allegedly went to manipulate the election. Fintiri revealed that the national chairman of APC arrived in Edo on election day aboard a private jet, flouting the movement restrictions in place. He also condemned the use of armored escorts by APC governors, which he believes served as tools of intimidation to deter voters.
“This is not just manipulation,” Fintiri said, “This is brigandage. Nigerians are rightfully outraged, and they are calling out INEC for its failure to uphold transparency. The vote-buying, the disruption of collation processes, and the mysterious increase in vote counts beyond accredited voters are blatant assaults on the very fabric of our democracy.”
Fintiri didn’t mince words when he described these actions as a “rape of democracy,” calling for Nigerians and the international community to join in condemning the electoral malpractice. “Democracy is under attack in Nigeria. We must demand accountability. The world is watching, and we cannot afford to let this slide. Nigeria deserves better,” he concluded passionately.
This call for vigilance and transparency echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the country’s electoral system. As the dust settles on this controversial poll, all eyes are on the Nigerian judiciary and INEC to ensure justice is served in what has become yet another litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy.
Governor Fintiri’s unflinching stance on the issue sends a strong message—Nigeria must defend its democracy, no matter the cost.
PIONEER NEWS 