By Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has described the 2023 governorship election in the state as a major assault on Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking on Monday in Yola at the public presentation of a book titled “Fintiri: The Man They Could Not Stop,” written by veteran journalist Solomon Kumangar, the governor said the election exposed deep flaws within the nation’s political system.
Fintiri noted that the poll revealed acts of treachery, moral compromise and desperation among sections of the political elite.
“In 2023, we witnessed treachery, assault and the moral compromise of a bankrupt elite masquerading as patriots,” he said.
“The election exposed coordinated attempts to undermine the will of the Adamawa people through electoral manipulation.”
Despite the challenges, the governor said the experience demonstrated the resilience of the people of Adamawa and their commitment to defending democracy.
He recalled that the election was marred by controversy when the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, prematurely and illegally declared the APC candidate, Senator Aishatu Binani, as winner before collation was completed.
The declaration was later nullified by the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Fintiri endorsed the book as the author’s personal account of the events surrounding the election, stressing that others were free to present their own perspectives.
Although he admitted he had not yet read the book, the governor described Kumangar as a gifted writer with deep insight, adding that the 2023 election saga was far from over.
He warned that those involved in attempts to subvert the electoral process remained active and continued to pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Earlier, former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who spoke at the event, described the book as an important historical record.
“The writing of this book was not an exercise in comfort but an act of faith in truth, history and the enduring value of leadership,” Saraki said.
Author Solomon Kumangar explained that the book was written out of a sense of responsibility to history, emphasizing honesty over praise. He said the work introduced the concept of “Huduism” as a framework for understanding coordinated attempts at electoral subversion.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, commended the book for highlighting leadership, inclusion and democratic struggle. He noted that it also documents Fintiri’s 11-point development agenda, including rural infrastructure, revenue mobilisation, transparency, health and accountability.
The book launch attracted prominent personalities, including the governors of Bauchi and Nasarawa states, traditional rulers, security chiefs and other dignitaries from across the country.
