Edo Poll: After Threats of Sanctions, US Lauds Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu For Maintaining Peace

The United States Government has lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his opponent, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, for coordinating themselves and their supporters properly at the just-concluded governorship election.

The US Mission in Nigeria congratulated the duo in a tweet on Wednesday.

Recall that the US Government had threatened to place visa restrictions on anyone who undermined the election in Edo and the upcoming governorship poll in Ondo state.

Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to win last week’s governorship election in Edo state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also presented certificates of return to Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu on Tuesday.

Furthermore, President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress congratulated Obaseki for the victory.

The US mission in Nigeria, while congratulating the Edo voters, thanked INEC and security agencies for obeying the rule of law.

It also praised civil society groups for monitoring the electoral process in the state.

“We commend the people of Edo State for exercising their franchise and recognize @GovernorObaseki and @PastorIzeIyamu for encouraging peace.

“Congratulations @inecnigeria and Nigerian security services on the Edo governorship election.

“Thanks to civil society partners @YIAGA and @SituationRoomNg @cleenfoundation @KDI_ng for their invaluable work. #EdoDecides2020,” it tweeted.

Congratulations @inecnigeria and Nigerian security services on the Edo governorship election. We commend the people of Edo State for exercising their franchise and recognize @GovernorObaseki & @PastorIzeIyamu for encouraging peace.

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) September 23, 2020