The US Mission in Nigeria has opposed this week’s tribunal ruling affirming that the Edo gubernatorial election was won by sitting Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement shared on its official X account, the Embassy pointed to “serious lapses in the collation process” that alarmed civil society groups and election observers alike.
Ambassador Mills reiterated his earlier comments from September 24, when the election held, underlining the necessity of transparency and due process to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions.
Mills said: “The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria.
“As the appeal process continues, the US Mission is closely monitoring the situation and has urged the judiciary to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
“Civil society organizations have also voiced their discontent with the September 21 Edo governorship election, accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud in favor of the candidate, Okpebholo.
“The US Mission in Nigeria is following the Edo election appeal process closely, particularly given civil society’s concerns about critical issues related to the election, such as ‘serious lapses in the collation process’ that were observed.
“Ambassador Mills reiterates his statement of September 24 that transparency and due process are crucial to maintaining public confidence in any democratic system. The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
