USA Congratulates Edo ; Urges improved Ondo election.

Wole Akingbasote – California, USA

The government of the United States of America, through its Embassy in Abuja released an official statement to appreciate the outcome of the just concluded Edo State governorship election, expressed concerns about some electoral malpractices and violence including vote-buying.

The statement also touched on the forthcoming election in Ondo State scheduled for October 10,2020 and urged improvements on National Electoral Commission (INEC)  performance in Ondo State gubernatorial election electoral process that was rated as free and fair in Edo State, as stated below.

Congratulations to the people of Edo State on a credible and peaceful governorship election. We thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian security services on the positive role they played in the election and commend their work in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.  We recognize the critical role that Governor Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu played in promoting peace.  We also thank our civil society partners for their invaluable work in upholding democracy and accountability in this election.

The United States remains concerned with reports of some violence that did emerge during the election, and by reports of vote-buying and intimidation of both voters and civil society domestic observers. We will continue to encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to improve the electoral process in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.  As a democratic partner of Nigeria, the United States remains committed to working together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries.