The United States has commended the peaceful proceedings of the Edo State governorship election that took place on September 21, 2024, resulting in the declaration of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo as the victor.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, praised the residents of Edo State for upholding order throughout the voting process and encouraged tranquility following the outcome announcement.
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.”
Ambassador Mills also commended Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for advocating peace and encouraged all involved parties to adhere to legal processes if they intend to contest the election 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,” Mills noted.
He further stated that the United States is dedicated to advancing transparent, just, and trustworthy elections in Nigeria, reiterating its backing for Nigeria’s democratic mechanisms.
INEC declared on Sunday that Okpebholo emerged victorious in the election with 291,667 votes, surpassing Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party contender, secured the third position with 22,763 votes.
 candidate Monday Okpebholo as the victor.){kind=link}