U.S. declares Edo governorship election ‘widely peaceful’

The United States said on Tuesday last weekend’s governorship election in Edo State was widely peaceful.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday night declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the election ahead of his Peoples Democratic Party (PD) rival, Asue Ighodalo

Okpebholo, 54, polled 291,667 votes to edge out Ighodalo who garnered 247,274 votes in the keenly contested election.

The Labour Party flag bearer, Olumide Akpata, finished in third place with 22,763 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had since rejected the outcome of the election and vowed to challenge it court.

Many individuals and groups, including Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization accredited by INEC to monitor elections in the country, have also faulted the conduct of the poll.

READ ALSO: Yiaga Africa’s report on Edo election based on guesswork – APC

In a statement, the U.S. Ambassador in Nigeria, Richard Mills, called for calm following the announcement of Okpebholo as the winner of the election.

The envoy also commended the people of Edo over the smooth conduct of the election.

Mills reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

The statement read: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria commends the people of Edo State for the widely peaceful conduct of gubernatorial elections on September 21 and reiterates calls for calm following the announcement of results.

“We commend Governor Obaseki’s appeal for peace and urge all stakeholders, including INEC, to support established electoral processes and respect legal procedures to challenge results.

“Transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.”

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