Edo Governorship Election: U.S. Ambassador Hails Peaceful Conduct

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has commended the people of Edo State for the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections held on September 21. In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Mills praised the people of Edo and Governor Godwin Obaseki for promoting peace during the election.

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria commends the people of Edo for the widely peaceful conduct of gubernatorial elections on September 21 and reiterates calls for calm following the announcement of results,” Mills said. He also urged all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to support established electoral processes and respect legal procedures to challenge results.

Mills emphasized the importance of transparency and due process in maintaining confidence in democratic systems. “Transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system,” he stated. The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The election saw Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge victorious, polling 291,667 votes, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 247,655 votes . However, the PDP rejected the outcome, citing alleged alterations to the results.

Umar Damagum, PDP’s acting National Chairman, stated that results from polling units showed Asue Ighodalo clearly won the election before the figures were altered. “The PDP therefore unequivocally rejects the final result of the Edo governorship election as declared by INEC,” he said.

Damagum called on INEC to review the election within the time stipulated by Section 65 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and announce results only from genuine votes cast at Polling Units.

The PDP has vowed to use all legal means to overturn the outcome, urging Nigerians and democracy lovers worldwide to stand in solidarity with the people of Edo.