The United States government has weighed in on the outcome of the Edo State gubernatorial election, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold transparency in handling challenges to the results.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the American government praised the people of Edo State for the peaceful conduct of the election held on September 21.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of respecting legal procedures in the face of opposition parties contesting the results.
INEC had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner, with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who finished with 22,763 votes.
However, opposition parties have rejected the outcome, arguing it does not represent the will of the electorate and have vowed to challenge the results in court.
“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria commends the people of Edo State for the peaceful conduct of gubernatorial elections on September 21 and reiterates calls for calm following the announcement of results,” the statement read.
Ambassador Mills further urged all parties, including INEC, to support established legal processes, ensuring transparency and due process to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The U.S. also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting free, fair, and credible elections in the country.
