SAN FRANCISCO, September 23, (THEWILL) – The United States Government has congratulated the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki on his re-election in the September 19 gubernatorial poll.
The Government in a statement on Wednesday by the US Mission in Nigeria, also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian security services in ensuring a peaceful, free, fair election.
While appreciating the role of civil society groups for their invaluable work in upholding democracy and accountability in the election, the US government, however, expressed concern with reports of some violence, vote-buying and intimidation of both voters and civil society domestic observers, during the election.
The statement enjoined all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to improve the electoral process in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
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See full statement:
“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.”
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