The United States has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies on their good outing during the Edo State governorship election last Saturday.
This was contained in a statement by the US mission in Nigeria on Wednesday.
The US also acknowledged the effort of civil society organisations in Nigeria for their role in promoting democratic principles and accountability during the poll.
It commended the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Godwin Osagie, his All Progressive Congress (APC) counterpart, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the Edo electorates for their roles in ensuring peaceful conduct of the poll.
In spite of the gains, the US expressed worry over reports of violence, vote buying and intimidation of the electorate and observers.
The statement read, “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.
“The United States remains concerned with reports of some violence that did emerge during the election, and by 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.”