Edo poll: There’s need for transparency, due process in electoral system- US  

The United States Mission in Nigeria has praised the people of Edo State for the peaceful conduct of their gubernatorial election on September 21. 

In a statement released Tuesday, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., emphasized the critical need for transparency and due process in the electoral system, urging all stakeholders to respect the legal framework for challenging outcomes and ensuring public trust in the democratic process.

“The United States Mission commends the people of Edo State for the widely peaceful conduct of their gubernatorial election and calls for calm as results are announced,” Mills stated. “Transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.”

The Ambassador’s remarks come as the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner. Okpebholo garnered 291,667 votes, defeating Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.

Mills also commended Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for his vocal calls for peace throughout the electoral process, and urged all political actors to respect established legal procedures for contesting the results.

Advertisement

“The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria,” Mills added.