Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has described the 2023 general election as a defining moment that exposed both the resilience of the people and the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Fintiri made the remarks on Monday in Yola at the public presentation of a book titled “Fintiri: The Man They Could Not Stop,” authored by former Permanent Secretary and journalist, Chief Solomon Kumangar.
The governor said the book documents key moments surrounding the 2023 governorship election in Adamawa State and mirrors broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.
He noted that although the book bears his name and image, it remains a journalistic account shaped by the author’s professional judgment and perspective.
“The attempt to stop me cannot be told in one book. The 2023 election was only the peak of many efforts,” Fintiri said.
According to him, the election revealed intimidation, moral compromise and desperation by some political actors, but also highlighted the courage and determination of the people of Adamawa.
He warned that threats to democracy still persist and urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively defend democratic values against political opportunism.
Fintiri commended the author for documenting the period, describing the book as a valuable contribution to future political narratives, while noting that more detailed accounts of the 2023 elections would emerge over time.
The book was unveiled by the North-East Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Mustafa Salihu, who described the publication as a documentation of courage, resilience and democratic struggle.
Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said the book captures Fintiri’s leadership style and commitment to democratic advancement.
Sule highlighted developments in Adamawa State under Fintiri’s administration, including infrastructure expansion, education reforms, digital transformation, improved internally generated revenue and strengthened local government autonomy.
Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, urged Nigerians to read the book, describing it as a detailed account of governance, leadership and political perseverance.
He said the publication reflects the governor’s achievements and contributions to democratic growth.
The book was reviewed by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Matthew Hassan Kukah, who praised the author’s intellectual depth and courage, noting that the work offers insights into power, resistance and governance within Nigeria’s democratic space.
In his remarks, the author, Chief Solomon Kumangar, said the book examines the governance architecture of Adamawa State and the political dynamics surrounding the 2023 elections.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Lamido Adamawa, Dr Muhammadu Barkindo Mustafa, party officials and members of the public.
