….. Recommends prosecution of Gov. Fintiri for Abuse of power-51 INEC-accredited Accredited Observer organisations
….. commend the Inspector General of Police for the professionalism exhibited by officers in the discharge of their duties
The 51 INEC-accredited observer organisations under the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness; on Tuesday that last weekend’s Edo State Governorship election was transparent, free, fair, and credible.
According to the convener, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, he said that, importantly, there was no loss of life on election day, which reflects positively on the overall conduct.
“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, Dr Nwambu Gabriel said.
He went further to say that 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.
The group, however, observed some election integrity and challenges, such as vote buying in some polling units, notably more sophisticated than in previous elections.
The statement read, “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.
Condemnation Of Unauthorised Declaration Of Election Results:
“We are compelled to address a severe violation that occurred post-election. The Governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Ahmadu Fintiri, held a press conference declaring the candidate of his party as the winner of the Edo State governorship election. 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 behaviour is unbecoming of a public officeholder and could erode public trust in our democratic processes.
Recommendations
“1. 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.
“2. Further investigations into the logistics failures witnessed, including the absence of police escorts and delays caused by transport workers, should be conducted to ensure future elections run smoothly.
Conclusions and Recommendations
“In conclusion, we acknowledge the relatively low voter turnout of 22%, largely attributable to adverse weather conditions. However, we assert that the Edo State Governorship Election of September 21, 2024, was conducted in line with the Electoral Act, 2022, and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“We as 51 INEC-accredited observer organisations at this moment unequivocally declare that this election was transparent, free, fair, and credible. Importantly, we report no loss of life on election day, which reflects positively on the overall conduct.
“We commend 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. Lastly, we applaud the people of Edo State for their peaceful disposition, demonstrating their unwavering love for peace.
