U.S. Government Voices Concerns Over Irregularities in Edo Governorship Election, Monitors Tribunal Appeal Process

The U.S. government has expressed its interest in the ongoing Edo State governorship tribunal, citing concerns over irregularities in the collation process during the state’s recent election. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issued a statement on Friday, indicating its close monitoring of the situation, especially after a report by civil society group Kimpact Development Initiative highlighted significant flaws in the election process. According to the U.S. Mission, the report raised alarms over inconsistencies, including a mismatch between the total number of accredited voters and the number of votes cast, particularly in 141 polling units.

The findings of the Ballot Integrity Project, which was referenced by the U.S. Mission, revealed further troubling details, including 29,053 unaccounted ballots and instances of over-voting in 382 polling units, with excess votes totaling 8,887. These issues were seen as serious lapses in the election process, which declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. However, Okpebholo’s victory has been challenged by his main opponent, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who alleges that the election was rigged in Okpebholo’s favor. Ighodalo has vowed to appeal the tribunal’s ruling, which upheld Okpebholo’s win despite his claims of irregularities.

On Wednesday, the Edo State Elections Petitions Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, citing insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations of over-voting and other irregularities. In response, the U.S. Mission has continued to express its concerns, underscoring its support for free and fair elections. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasized the importance of transparency and due process in elections to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.

The U.S. government has previously taken action to hold individuals accountable for undermining democracy, including imposing visa restrictions on those involved in controversial decisions, such as Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, following a disputed 2020 judgment in the Imo State governorship election. The U.S. Mission reiterated its commitment to supporting credible elections in Nigeria and will continue to closely monitor the unfolding developments in Edo State.