US says Edo gubernatorial election ‘peaceful’

The United States said on Tuesday that the gubernatorial election in Edo State was peaceful.

The National Electoral Commission (EC) on Sunday night declared the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Senin Okpebholo, as the winner of the election, beating his Peoples Democratic Party (PD) rival, Asue Ighodalo.

Okpebholo, 54, won 291,667 votes, beating Ighodalo who won 247,274 votes in the tight election.

Labour Party flagbearer Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has since rejected the election results and vowed to challenge them in court.

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

READ ALSO: Yiaga Africa report on Edo election based on allegations – APC

In a statement, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, called for calm after Okpebholo was announced as the winner of the election.

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

Mills reiterated the US commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

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

“We appreciate Governor Obaseki’s call for peace and urge all stakeholders, including INEC, to support the established electoral process and respect the legal procedures to challenge the results.

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

US says Edo governorship election ‘peaceful’ first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.