Fintiri insists on punishment for electoral offenders, gets glowing tributes at book launch
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared that those who engaged in electoral fraud and political manipulation in a bid to stop his re-election must be held accountable, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy cannot survive if perpetrators of electoral banditry are allowed to go unpunished.
The governor spoke on Monday in Yola at the formal presentation of a book titled “Fintiri – The Man They Could Not Stop,” which chronicles the intense political powerplay surrounding the 2023 Adamawa governorship election and his eventual triumph.
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Addressing a gathering of governors, political leaders, religious leaders, and party faithful, Fintiri said the attempt to subvert the will of the people in 2023 represented a dangerous assault on democracy, not just in Adamawa State but in Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, the 2023 election exposed treachery, moral compromise and the actions of what he described as a desperate and opportunistic elite masquerading as democrats.
He stressed that while the people of Adamawa successfully resisted the plot through resilience and collective action, justice must still take its course.
“Nigeria must not wait endlessly for these characters to destroy our democracy,” the governor said, adding that electoral fraudsters must be punished to deter future attempts to undermine the people’s mandate.
Fintiri noted that the events of 2023 were only one chapter in a long history of efforts to stop his political journey, describing himself as “a man of destiny” whose path had been marked by repeated but futile attempts at derailment.
He hinted that more revelations would come in his future memoirs, saying the full story of the election and its surrounding intrigues was yet to be told.
The governor also used the occasion to commend the author of the book, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, describing him as a seasoned journalist whose work provides a pioneering narrative of the political developments that shaped Adamawa State in recent years.
The governor attracted glowing tributes from prominent leaders across the country. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who chaired the occasion, praised Fintiri’s courage and principled leadership, describing him as a governor who uses power purposefully rather than for personal gain.
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who delivered the keynote address, described Fintiri as a bold and courageous leader whose political journey offers important lessons for Nigeria’s democracy.
He said the book adds value to the political history of Adamawa State and provides younger generations with deeper insight into the realities of governance and electoral politics.
Saraki urged the public to widely read and distribute the book, noting that it contributes to democratic education and political consciousness. He also encouraged the governor to remain focused on service delivery, reminding him that he still had time to consolidate on his achievements.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who was the guest of honour, described Fintiri as “a phenomenon,” expressing pride in his resilience and political strength. He said the Adamawa governor’s story symbolises resistance against injustice and the triumph of the people’s will over manipulation.
Other dignitaries at the event included religious leaders, traditional rulers and party officials, all of whom praised Fintiri’s leadership style and his insistence on defending democratic values.
