The US government on Friday expressed concern over the deteriorating political climate in Edo State, which is scheduled to elect a governor on September 19.
It also condemned the role “played by some political actors in the state,” the Political Affairs Unit of the US embassy in Abuja said in a statement.
The statement was titled: “The United States Supports Democratic Process where the Will of Nigerian People is reflected in Results”.
Edo State is currently engulfed by an escalating political crisis that is rooted in the fight for the governorship of the state, which will be decided via the September 12 election.
On Thursday, security agents besieged the State House Assembly building in Benin City, the capital following a crisis in the legislature.
There ae currently two factions in the State House of Assembly, each with its own Speaker and Deputy Speaker. One camp has its allegiance t the governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, having dumped the All Progressives Congress. The other camp is loyal to former National Chairman of the APC, who is bent on securing a win for Osagie Ize-Iyamu, his party’s candidate for the election.
“We are especially concerned with allegations of interference by security forces in political matters, which we will continue to monitor closely in the run up to gubernatorial elections in the state in September,” the US said in the statement.
“As long-time friends of Nigeria, we continue to follow political developments ahead of off-cycle elections in the country. The United States supports a democratic process where the will of the Nigerian people is reflected in the results, and does not favor any party or candidate,” it said.
Edo and Ondo States are holding “off-cycle elections” which do not fall within the main election period in Nigeria. The election in Ondo will hold in October.
As the country approaches these elections, the US urged “all stakeholders to work towards a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful process. We encourage all stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and the security services, to continue to improve the electoral process”.
The US said it looked to Nigeria as an important leader on the African continent. “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 our countries,” it added.