United States has urged Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to support legal processes for challenging the results of the recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., the American government praised the peaceful nature of the September 21 election while emphasizing the importance of transparency.

INEC 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 garnered 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who secured 22,763 votes. However, the opposition parties rejected the results, claiming irregularities and signaling their intent to pursue legal action.

The U.S. commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his call for peace and urged all parties to follow established electoral procedures. Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the U.S. stressed that due process is crucial for maintaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

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