APC condemns Governor Fintiri’s ‘illegal’ announcement of Edo gubernatorial election results

By Kunle Sanni

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has sharply criticized Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for what it termed an unlawful and reckless announcement of the Edo State gubernatorial election results.

The APC denounced the move as illegal, stressing that the governor had no authority to declare the results of the election, which took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

In a press statement released on Sunday, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka expressed the party’s outrage, calling Fintiri’s actions “executive brigandage” aimed at undermining the credibility of the election and inciting unrest in Edo State.

Morka emphasized that the responsibility for conducting, collating, and announcing election results rests solely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as stipulated by the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

He urged the public and voters in Edo to disregard the “bogus, fake” results announced by Fintiri, branding them an attempt to disrupt the democratic process.

The APC called on law enforcement agencies to take swift action to prevent any further escalation of tensions and ensure the security of the state.

The party emphasized that Governor Fintiri’s actions were a direct violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws and should be met with appropriate legal consequences.

The incident comes on the heels of reports that Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki had allegedly tried to interfere with INEC’s operations overnight but withdrew after intense protests from APC officials.

The APC vowed to remain steadfast in its defense of the rule of law and the sanctity of the electoral process, reaffirming that only INEC is empowered to announce official election results.