Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has urged relevant authorities to prosecute individuals involved in electoral fraud and political manipulation during the 2023 governorship election, warning that Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive where electoral crimes go unpunished.

The governor made the call on Tuesday in Yola at the public presentation of a book titled “Fintiri – The Man They Could Not Stop,” which chronicles the political intrigues, controversies and eventual outcome of the 2023 Adamawa governorship election.

Addressing a gathering of governors, political leaders, religious figures and party supporters, Fintiri described attempts to overturn the will of the electorate as a grave threat to democratic governance, stressing that electoral impunity erodes public confidence in the system.

“What happened during the 2023 election was not just an attack on Adamawa State, but an assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “If those who manipulate elections are not held accountable, democracy itself is endangered.”

The governor said the election exposed acts of treachery, moral compromise and the desperation of political opportunists who, he noted, often masquerade as democrats while undermining democratic values.

Reflecting on his political journey, Fintiri described himself as “a man of destiny,” noting that repeated attempts to derail his rise had failed. He added that further details surrounding the 2023 election would be revealed in his forthcoming memoirs.

Fintiri also commended the author of the book, Mr. Solomon Kumangar, describing him as a seasoned journalist whose work offers a compelling and authoritative account of the political forces that shaped Adamawa State during the election period.

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who delivered the keynote address, described Fintiri as a courageous and resilient leader, noting that his political experience offers valuable lessons for Nigeria’s democratic development. He said the book would serve as an important resource for younger generations seeking to understand governance and electoral politics.

Also speaking, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the guest of honour, described Fintiri as “a phenomenon,” praising his resilience and political strength. He said the governor’s story symbolises resistance against injustice and the triumph of the people’s will over manipulation.

The book launch attracted dignitaries from across the country, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, party officials and political stakeholders, many of whom praised Governor Fintiri’s leadership style and commitment to democratic ideals.