Ahead of Ondo State gubernatorial election, the United States (U.S) Government has called on all stakeholders, including Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and the security agencies to improve the electoral process during the forthcoming exercise.
It explained that the need to improve on the gains recorded during the last weekend Edo State governorship election necessitated the call for improved process and procedures for the election scheduled for October 10 in Ondo state.
The Unite States maintained that the country was in support of credible and peaceful poll and that any attempt to subvert the will of the people during the exercise would not be accepted and mechanism would be put in place to block all loopholes in ensuring the electorate to freely elects their desired candidate.
Through a message posted on the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria’s social media page, the U.S government warned politicians and security agencies against voters intimidation and harrasement.
“The United States remains concerned with reports of some violence that did emerge during the election, and 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 countries,” the message said.
Meanwhile, the U.S government expressed satisfaction on the peaceful conduct of the Edo State governorship elections which held last week and returned incumbent Godwin Obaseki as the governor elect for the second term of four years.
The U.S. government also lauded INEC and the security agencies on the positive role played during the election, which it said, strengthened democracy in the country.
“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 Gov. 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 U.S. said.
