We Will Continue To Monitor Closely – US Government Speaks On Edo Governorship Election, INEC Conduct
The United State Mission in Nigeria has said it would continue to “monitor the situation closely” while commenting on the Edo State governorship elections held on September 21.
The U.S. Mission emphasised the importance of maintaining calm as results are announced, reiterating the need for respect and adherence to legal procedures in any challenges to the outcomes.
The U.S. Mission commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his call for peace, urging all stakeholders—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—to uphold established electoral processes.
This is contained in a statement released on Tuesday, by Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. on the just concluded Edo State Governorship Election
The statement, “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.”
Mills noted that transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system.
“The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” Mills added.
the Nigerian Bar Association Election Working Group (NBA-EWG) expressed concerns over the low voters turnout, influence of money, and delays in election material distribution during the recent Edo State governorship election.
In its report released on Tuesday morning, NBA-EWG emphasised the need for stricter measures to prevent political parties from using money to influence voters, recommending stricter monitoring at polling units and more transparent processes to safeguard the electoral system’s integrity.
“Stronger measures must be implemented to prevent political parties from using money to influence voters. This includes stricter monitoring at polling units and more transparent processes to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system,” the group had recommended.
The report, signed by NBA-EWG Team Lead, Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, also commended the conduct of voters, election officials, and security personnel, contributing to a largely peaceful election process.
The group, however, charged the Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritise the timely deployment of election materials and personnel to avoid delays and ensure that all polling units are equipped to begin the voting process on time.
The group also advocated for intensified voter education campaigns aimed at restoring public trust in the electoral process and encouraging greater voter participation, especially among women and youth.
