The United States Government has said it is closely monitoring the ongoing appeal process for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, particularly reports of “serious lapses in the collation process.”

The statement by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., followed the recent judgement delivered by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo State.

The ruling, which has been described as a “huge travesty of justice,” has sparked renewed conversations about Nigeria’s electoral integrity, transparency, and democratic accountability, with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, disclosing plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.

In the statement released on Friday, the US Government expressed its continued interest in the ongoing legal process for the gubernatorial  election, noting that it is closely monitoring the appeal process, especially in light of significant concerns raised by civil society organizations regarding the conduct of the election.

“The U.S. 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,” the statement read.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria reiterated his comments on the importance of transparency in democratic systems, emphasizing that adherence to due process are vital to maintaining public trust in electoral outcomes.

The statement further noted, “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.”

The PDP had in its petition at the tribunal alleged electoral malpractices, irregularities, and voter suppression in several polling units.

This was however dismissed by the three-man panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, for lack of enough evidence.

As the legal battle continues, all eyes remain on the Court of Appeal, where Ighodalo hopes to secure a favourable ruling in his quest to reclaim the “mandate,”duly given to him by the people of Edo State.