Edo election us consular caution candidates violence

You're referring to the recent Edo State governorship election in Nigeria, which was held on September 19, 2020. The election was marred by violence, and the US Consulate in Lagos issued a cautionary statement to its citizens.

Here's a summary of the situation:

Background: The Edo State governorship election was a highly contested poll between the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his main challenger, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Violence and disruptions: On election day, there were reports of violence, intimidation, and disruptions at several polling stations across the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that 85 polling units were affected by violence, and many voters were unable to cast their ballots.

US Consulate caution: In response to the violence and disruptions, the US Consulate in Lagos issued a cautionary statement to its citizens, urging them to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas where violence was reported. The statement read:

"Due to reports of violence and disruptions at some polling stations in Edo State, we urge U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas where violence has been reported. We also recommend that you stay informed about local conditions and follow the instructions of local authorities."

Aftermath: The election was eventually declared inconclusive by INEC, and a supplementary election was held on September 20, 2020. Governor Obaseki was eventually declared the winner of the election.

Candidates' reactions: Both candidates, Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu, condemned the violence and disruptions during the election. Obaseki accused his opponents of trying to rig the election, while Ize-Iyamu alleged that the APC was behind the violence.

International reactions: The international community, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemned the violence and called for a peaceful and credible election process.

Overall, the Edo State governorship election was a significant event in Nigeria, and the violence and disruptions that occurred during the election highlighted the challenges facing the country's electoral process.