The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has reacted to the accusation of the All Progressives Congress, APC that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State usurped the responsibilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Recall that Governor Fintiri had earlier on Sunday led his colleague governors, including Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, to address the media where he declared the results of some local government areas in the Edo State governorship off-cycle election conducted on Saturday, September 21st, 2024.
Governor Fintiri’s declaration prompted a swift reaction from the ruling APC to accuse the governor and his colleagues of usurping the responsibilities of INEC, describing his action as a “display of utter desperation and mindless impunity.”
In a statement on Sunday evening, Bauchi State Governor cum Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, said the forum is filled with immense pride in the role played by its governors, “who have painstakingly monitored the exercise in accordance with the law and guided the electorate to remain calm and law-abiding throughout the entire process.”
The governors are Fintiri, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba, and Rt. Hon. Sherif Francis Oborevwori of Delta
According to the forum, it is satisfied with its governors led by Fintiri.
It clarified that Governor Fintiri “simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the @inecnigeria IREV portal, with a view to forestalling any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy.
“Therefore, the public is advised to disregard the mischievous accusation by the APC that anyone usurped INEC’s responsibility, let alone distinguished Nigerians who are governors in their respective states.
“As the process runs its course, we wish to remind the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of the need to live up to the oath of office of the Commission’s principal officers and the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening our multi-party democracy and the survival of our country.
“As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time. This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC government.
“The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realize their legitimate dreams.”
The forum also noted that it is looking forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people as freely expressed through their votes yesterday
“Finally, we stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas, and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Delta States, respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections,” it added.
The forum saluted the people of Edo State for trooping out in their large numbers, to exercise their legitimate duty to choose the person who would govern the state for the next four years.
