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Awka Anambra State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the keenly contested Anambra Governorship Election. The Returning Officer, Professor Omoregie, who also serves as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, announced the results late Sunday night at the state collation center in Awka, confirming Soludo’s overwhelming victory.
According to INEC’s final tally, Governor Soludo polled a total of 422,664 votes, decisively defeating his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes. The Labour Party candidate came a distant third with 54,210 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded 41,002 votes.
The declaration marked a major political milestone for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, reaffirming its dominance in Anambra State politics. With this victory, Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has secured a fresh mandate to lead the state for another four years, solidifying his reputation as one of the state’s most influential political figures.
Massive Voter Turnout and Smooth Electoral Process
Observers and electoral officials praised the conduct of the election, describing it as largely peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated. Across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, voter turnout was encouraging, especially in key areas such as Awka South, Nnewi North, Onitsha North, and Aguata.
INEC officials arrived at most polling units early, and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed better than in previous elections, minimizing cases of malfunction and voter delay. Accredited international observers commended the process, noting that it reflected the growing maturity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Security agencies were also on high alert throughout the election. The combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Army ensured that voting and collation proceeded without major disruption. The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the polls were “largely peaceful,” with only minor incidents of voter altercations that were quickly resolved.
Soludo’s Victory Speech: “The People Have Spoken Loudly”
In his post-election address, Governor Soludo expressed deep gratitude to the people of Anambra State for reaffirming their confidence in his leadership. He described the outcome as “a victory for the people and for democracy.”
“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every man, woman, and youth who believes in the vision of a prosperous, secure, and innovative Anambra. The people have spoken loudly, and their voices have been heard clearly,” Soludo said.
He also extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging them to join hands with his administration to advance the state’s progress.
“Elections are not wars; they are contests of ideas. Now that the people have made their choice, we must come together to build a greater Anambra that works for everyone,” he added.
APGA Celebrates Continuity and Grassroots Strength
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), under whose platform Soludo contested, celebrated the win as a resounding endorsement of its people-centered governance model. Party officials stated that Soludo’s victory was proof that the people of Anambra trusted APGA’s development agenda and the continuity of good governance.
APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, congratulated the governor and thanked the electorate for keeping faith with the party.
“This is another chapter in APGA’s history of service and performance. Governor Soludo has shown visionary leadership, and today’s victory is the people’s way of saying, ‘keep going.’ We thank INEC, the security agencies, and all stakeholders for ensuring a free and fair process,” he said.
Opposition Reactions and Call for Post-Election Unity
While congratulating Soludo, the APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, expressed reservations about alleged vote buying in some polling units but stated that his campaign team would review the election results before deciding on any next steps.
Political analysts, however, argue that the margin of victory over 300,000 votes indicates a clear preference for Soludo’s leadership and leaves little room for contesting the outcome. The PDP and Labour Party candidates have also reportedly congratulated the governor, acknowledging that the election reflected the people’s will.
Civic groups, including the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), commended Anambra voters for their peaceful conduct and participation, describing it as a strong sign of democratic maturity.
Focus on Second Term Agenda
As Soludo begins his second term, expectations are high among Anambra residents. His administration is expected to deepen reforms in infrastructure, education, and technology-driven governance. During his campaign, the governor pledged to expand road networks, improve electricity supply through renewable energy, and promote industrialization anchored on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He also promised to continue empowering youth and women through skill development and job creation, emphasizing the role of innovation in achieving economic growth.
Soludo’s flagship “Solution Agenda” which focuses on turning Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland is set to take center stage in his new term. Insiders say the governor plans to attract more foreign investment, particularly in technology, agriculture, and housing, while tackling security challenges in the state’s rural areas.
A Mandate of Confidence and Responsibility
Political commentators believe Soludo’s victory is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to his administration’s performance during his first term. His focus on urban renewal projects, digital transformation of governance, and fiscal prudence won him broad support across party lines.
With this landslide win, Soludo has effectively consolidated APGA’s dominance in Anambra politics, continuing the legacy of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whose ideology remains central to the party’s identity.
As the new term begins, all eyes are on how Soludo will translate his renewed mandate into tangible results for the people of Anambra State
