Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has appealed for calm among residents following the controversial declaration of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Sen. Aishatu Dahiru, by Resident Electoral Commissioner Mallam Hudu Yunusa. The governor urged his supporters to remain peaceful despite provocations from “merchants of anarchy” while they await further directives from the commission, emphasizing that the integrity of the electoral body is being tested.
He noted that since the election process began, a group that attempted an electoral heist—rendering the governorship poll inconclusive—has been pushing the limits of collective patience. As their governor, Fintiri called for calm, stating, “Just when we were waiting for the resumption of the collation, the REC this morning took up a task he is not constitutionally empowered to do by making an illegal announcement of the outcome without results. This action is undoubtedly provocative, but I appeal for calm as always. I assure you that, as your leader, I will ensure nobody thwarts your democratic rights.”
The governor stressed that residents committed to democratic principles should conduct themselves peacefully, while the commission must ensure the collation exercise is concluded properly. He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for initially distancing itself from the REC’s actions, noting that the commission must act with its integrity at stake. “The independent National Electoral Commission has demonstrated its umpire status by first distancing itself from the act of the REC and assuring that the right thing will be done,” he said.
Fintiri added that the appropriate course is to complete the collation at the designated location and have the Returning Officer, Professor Mele Kyari, declare the winner. He thanked citizens for their resilience and resolve in exercising and protecting their democratic rights, affirming that the pursuit of justice will continue. “Fellow citizens, once again, I call on everyone to remain peaceful and law‑abiding, trusting that the world is watching the enemies of democracy at the height of their shameless brigandage. Nobody should take the law into their own hands. Let’s peacefully await the next directive from INEC, believing that the integrity of the Commission is on a test.”
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