Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has reacted after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him as the winner of the governorship election held in the state on Saturday.
Prof. Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the election, spoke on Sunday after INEC’s declaration.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), announced the result at INEC’s headquarters in Awka.
Omoregie declared Soludo the winner with 422,664 votes.
He said Soludo defeated his closest rival, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes.
In his address, Soludo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “true democrat” who demonstrated commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra State.
He said: “The people have spoken and their votes counted.
“I thank INEC, especially the new Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
“I’m excited that your first impression was an emphatic one, as INEC delivered.
“Since 2017 when INEC started experimenting with technology, every election in Anambra has been getting better and better.
“This is the best election INEC has organised in Anambra so far.”
Soludo commended INEC’s ICT Department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results on the IReV portal.
He added: “As at midnight, over 99 per cent of results from polling units were uploaded on the IReV portal and everybody could download the results in real-time.”
The governor also congratulated his fellow contestants, saying politics in Anambra State should remain a contest of ideas, not enmity.
He said: “Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and obviously one person will win.
“In the Anambra way, we fight like there will be no tomorrow, but afterward, we meet and celebrate.
“I extend a hand of fellowship to all of you, as I’m prepared to work with everyone for the greater good of our dear state.”
Soludo dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra State, describing it as a historic mandate.
He added: “This victory is for the people of Anambra.
Also Read
- Top 5 Macro Signals That Move Forex Pairs Before the News Hits
- Hajj 2026: Nigeria’s inaugural flight leaves for Madinah
- Governor Nwifuru lifts suspension of commissioners, other officials
- The Supreme Court victories that weren’t, by Lanre Adewole
- No diet, sex can prevent prostate cancer — Expert
“Four years ago, when BVAS was first used, we had a low voter turnout and you elected us with 112,000 votes.
“This time, you spoke loudly.
“For the first time in our history, voter participation broke the 20 percent ceiling as 22 percent of registered voters came out and you re-elected us with 73 percent of total votes.
“I’m humbled by this show of solidarity.
“We applied for the job, you employed us and with this renewed trust and partnership.
“We will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra.
“Now that the people have spoken, let’s get to work.
“You ain’t seen anything yet.”
