24th September, 2024
By Perpetua Onuegbu
A coalition of 51 accredited observer organisations under the aegis of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness said Adamawa governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, must be prosecuted for declaring the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate winner of last Saturday’s Edo governorship election.
The coalition said this at a press conference addressed by Dr Gabriel Nwambu,its Director-General in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nwambu said Fintiri should be prosecuted as soon as the immunity that covers him is over.
The group said the declaration of the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the Edo election ahead of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC by Fintiri was a severe violation of the electoral law.
“This action blatantly contravenes Sections 178 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and undermines the authority of INEC.
“Such behavior is unbecoming of a public office holder and could erode public trust in our democratic processes.
“We 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,” Nwambu said.
Nwambu said the observer group noted that vote buying was observed in some polling units, notably more sophisticated than in previous elections.
He decried an incident when the military personnel denied access to accredited observers, inspite of proper identification.
The director-general, however, said these challenges not withstanding, INEC should be for a transparent and credible conduct of the Edo election.
“We were relieved to report that the election concluded without violence, in spite of 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.
“We as 51 INEC accredited observer organisations hereby unequivocally declare that the election was transparent, free, fair, and credible.
“Importantly, we report no loss of life on election day, which reflects positively on the overall conduct,” he said.
He 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.
“In certain RAC centres, electoral materials and staff were prepared for movement but lacked police escorts.
“Although these instances were minimal, they warrant attention.
Nwambu 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.
He also commended the people of Edo for their peaceful disposition, demonstrating their unwavering love for peace.
(NAN)
