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… wants Gov Fintiri prosecuted for usurping INEC’s power
By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The coalition of 51 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Accredited observer organizations, in the Edo State governorship election, has declared the just concluded election as transparent, free, fair, and credible.
Expressing gratitude of no loss of life on election day, which reflects positively on the overall conduct, the coalition, however, acknowledge the relatively low voter turnout of 22%, largely attributable to adverse weather conditions.
In a press conference headed by the Director of Center for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, the group maintained that the election was conducted in line with the Electoral Act, 2022, and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Meanwhile, the coalition has condemned the post-election conduct of the Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Fintiri.
Fintiri was said to have held a press conference declaring the candidate of his party as the winner of the Edo State governorship election.
Therefore, the election observers submitted that Gov. Fintiri’s action blatantly contravenes Sections 178 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
They maintained that his actions undermines the authority of INEC, adding that such behavior is unbecoming of a public office holder and could erode public trust in our democratic process.
Consequently, the group strongly recommend that Mr. Fintiri be held accountable for usurping the powers of INEC, and appropriate legal actions should be taken. He has to be prosecuted in 2027 as the immunity is lifted.
However, the group recommended that further investigations into the logistics failures witnessed, including the absence of police escort and delays caused by transport workers, should be conducted to ensure future elections run smoothly.
It therefore, commended the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police for the professionalism exhibited by officers in the discharge of their duties. as well as INEC for overseeing a credible election.
Concluding, the applaud the people of Edo State for their peaceful disposition, demonstrating their unwavering love for peace.
The statement reads in parts;
“We observed the distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin City to the Local Government offices of INEC. The subsequent distribution to various Registration Area Centres (RAC) was executed under tight security. We noted that the election materials were ultimately moved to the 4,518 polling units by INEC ad hoc staff, predominantly National Youth Service Corps members.
“Voting commenced between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM in most observed polling units. The delay in some areas was due primarily to heavy rainfall, with a few instances of logistical challenges noted. In certain RAC centres, electoral materials and staff were prepared for movement but lacked police escorts. Although these instances were minimal, they warrant attention.
“Vote buying was observed in some polling units, notably more sophisticated than in previous elections. An incident of concern involved military personnel denying access to accredited observers, despite proper identification.
“We were relieved to report that the election concluded without violence, despite the inflammatory remarks made by some politicians, including the outgoing governor, who referred to the election as a “do or die” affair. The collation of results was conducted meticulously, adhering to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 Amended and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
