The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has expressed growing concern over the recent tribunal ruling regarding the Edo State gubernatorial election, citing serious irregularities in the electoral process. The U.S. Embassy pointed to significant lapses in the collation of votes, a situation that has sparked alarm among civil society groups and election observers. As the appeal process continues, the U.S. Mission is closely monitoring developments and urging the Nigerian judiciary to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Edo State gubernatorial election, held on September 21, 2025, was contentious from the start. The election was contested between the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, and several other contenders, including the main opposition candidate, Okpebholo, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite the election being viewed by many as a significant event in the state’s democratic journey, it was marred by allegations of electoral fraud. Civil society groups, local election observers, and even international stakeholders raised concerns over the transparency of the electoral process. Many accused the ruling party, APC, of manipulating the results to favor their candidate, Okpebholo. These accusations centered around claims of vote-buying, intimidation, and tampering with the collation process, which observers described as deeply flawed and not in line with Nigeria’s electoral guidelines.
One of the most pressing issues raised was the alleged irregularities in the collation of votes. Critics argued that there were discrepancies in the final tally and a lack of transparency in how the results were recorded and verified, further fueling suspicions that the election was neither free nor fair. In response to these concerns, the matter was taken to the Edo State Election Tribunal.
In response to the tribunal’s ruling, the U.S. Mission has made it clear that it is deeply concerned by what it calls “serious lapses” observed in the collation process during the election. The U.S. Embassy shared these concerns publicly through a statement on its official X account, stressing that any flaws in the electoral process must be thoroughly investigated and addressed to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Ambassador Richard Mills Jr, who has been vocal in his support for transparency in Nigerian elections, reiterated the U.S. government’s position in a statement issued shortly after the tribunal’s decision. He highlighted that for democracy to thrive in any country, elections must be conducted transparently, fairly, and credibly. “The United States reaffirms our commitment to supporting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Nigeria,” he said.
The concerns raised by the U.S. Mission are not isolated. Nigerian civil society organizations and independent election observers have consistently raised alarms about the credibility of the Edo gubernatorial election. These groups have accused the ruling APC of engaging in practices that undermine democracy, including vote manipulation and interference with the collation process.
As the appeal process continues, many Nigerians are hopeful that the judiciary will act impartially and uphold the rule of law. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for the Edo State election but for Nigeria’s entire electoral system. A ruling that fails to address the concerns raised about electoral irregularities could further erode public trust in the nation’s democracy.
In his statement, Ambassador Mills urged the Nigerian judiciary to ensure that the appeal process is conducted with transparency, fairness, and in strict adherence to the rule of law. “The United States continues to stand by its commitment to supporting democratic principles, including ensuring that electoral processes are free from fraud and manipulation,” she said.
The U.S. Mission also stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, pledging continued support for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. This comes at a time when Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections, which will be another major test for the country’s democracy. The international community, including the United States, is keen to ensure that Nigeria’s elections remain credible and that the will of the people is respected.
The controversy surrounding the Edo gubernatorial election has sparked renewed calls for electoral reform in Nigeria. Many believe that the country’s electoral system, despite some progress in recent years, still faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of transparency, vote counting, and the independence of electoral authorities.