The recent gubernatorial election in Edo State has sparked significant controversy and condemnation, primarily led by the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri. In a passionate response to the election’s conduct, Fintiri characterized the actions during the election as a “blatant attack on Nigeria’s democracy.” He articulated his concerns via a post on social media, outlining several alleged irregularities that marred the voting process, including widespread vote buying, voter intimidation, and the manipulation of election results. Such actions, he asserted, fundamentally undermined the integrity of the electoral process, highlighting the pressing need for reforms to protect democratic principles in the country.
The election, held on September 22, culminated in the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. Okpebholo, who secured 291,667 votes, defeated his main opponents, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, who received a mere 22,763 votes. The results were announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, at the collation center in Benin City. However, this declaration has fueled further allegations of electoral malpractice, as opposition figures and observers have raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election process.
In his critique, Fintiri expressly called out the APC for what he viewed as an egregious violation of democratic norms. He cited specific instances, such as the party’s national chairman arriving in Edo State on election day via private jet, which seemed to contradict movement restrictions that had been put in place. Additionally, reports of APC officials utilizing armored escorts to intimidate voters further exacerbated fears regarding the integrity of the election. The governor’s statements resonate with a growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians towards the ruling party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he accused of bias and complicity in favor of the APC.
The concerns raised by Fintiri reflect a broader worry regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria. He expressed a deep sorrow for the nation’s democratic prospects, referring to the Edo gubernatorial polls as a “shameful” affair that could have lasting implications if left unaddressed. He emphasized the gravity of undermining democratic processes, stating that the reported instances of vote buying and disruption during the collation of results could severely erode public trust. The undermining of the electoral process, according to Fintiri, represents not merely an attack on a singular election but a broader threat to Nigeria’s democracy as a whole.
Fintiri’s rebuttal to the APC’s narrative, which sought to discredit him by claiming he reported unofficial results, underscores the contentious nature of political discourse in Nigeria. He clarified that his comments were based on results collated from INEC’s Irev portal, stayed rooted in transparency, and highlighted the discrepancies that posed serious questions about the electoral integrity. His passionate call to action reflects a need for accountability and transparency, both for the perpetrators of electoral malpractice and the institutions charged with overseeing fair elections.
In conclusion, the Edo gubernatorial election underscores the critical need for a robust and transparent electoral process in Nigeria. Fintiri’s strong condemnation serves as a rallying cry for citizens and political leaders alike to demand accountability and uphold democratic principles. With the world watching, it becomes imperative for Nigerians to engage actively in safeguarding their democracy, ensuring that future elections are devoid of manipulation, violence, and intimidation. As the situation continues to evolve, the commitment of each stakeholder to upholding democratic values will determine the trajectory of Nigeria’s political landscape in the years to come.
