The All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned recent statements made by Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State regarding the Edo State gubernatorial election results.
Governor Fintiri announced the results during a press conference on Sunday.
The election took place the previous day, on Saturday.
In their response, the APC labeled Fintiri’s announcement as “illegal and irresponsible.”
They urged the public to disregard his claims, calling them a clear violation of electoral laws.
Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, spoke on the issue.
He said, “Governor Fintiri has no authority to collate or announce results of any election.”
Morka described Fintiri’s actions as “executive brigandage” and an act of “desperation.”
According to the APC, Fintiri’s actions are an attempt to disrupt the democratic process in Edo State.
They emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the only body with the legal authority to announce election results.
“This is a blatant attempt to undermine the lawful authority of INEC,” Morka stated.
He urged law enforcement agencies to stay vigilant to maintain peace and security in Edo State.
The announcement from Fintiri followed a troubling incident involving Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
Reports indicate that Obaseki led a protest against INEC’s premises in Benin City.
He eventually withdrew after facing pushback from APC leaders.
Morka expressed disappointment over Fintiri’s actions, especially given that he himself benefited from the electoral process.
“It is disheartening that a beneficiary of democracy would act in such a reckless manner,” he said.
The APC warned that such actions could incite unrest in Edo State.
“The purported election results announced by Fintiri are bogus and contrived,” Morka asserted.
He called for calm among Edo voters and the general public.
“It is vital that the electorate remains focused on the official processes,” he added.
The APC also reminded citizens that the Electoral Act of 2022 explicitly prohibits unauthorized announcements of election results.
By trying to usurp INEC’s authority, Fintiri is, according to the APC, violating both the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.
The party has made it clear that they view Fintiri’s actions as a direct threat to democracy in Nigeria.
“We are committed to ensuring that the democratic process is respected,” Morka concluded.
