Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as the most credible and well-organised election in the state’s history.
Delivering his victory speech in Awka on Sunday, following his declaration as winner of the November 8 governorship election, Soludo expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, whom he hailed as a “true democrat” committed to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced the results at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, declaring Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) winner with 422,664 votes. His closest rival, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 99,445 votes.
“The people have spoken and their votes have counted,” Soludo said. “I thank INEC, especially the new Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. Your first outing was impressive—INEC delivered.”
He noted that the introduction of technology since 2017 had continuously improved elections in Anambra. “This is the best election INEC has organised in the state so far,” he added.
Soludo also praised INEC’s ICT department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results. “By midnight, over 99 per cent of polling unit results were available on the IReV portal, accessible to everyone,” he said.
The governor congratulated his fellow contestants, urging them to see politics as a contest of ideas, not hostility. “Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and of course, one person had to win. In the Anambra spirit, we may contest fiercely, but afterward, we come together. I extend a hand of fellowship to all as we work for our state’s progress.”
Dedicating his victory to the people of Anambra, Soludo described it as a “historic mandate.”
“This victory belongs to the people. Four years ago, you elected us with 112,000 votes amid low turnout. This time, 22 per cent of registered voters participated, the highest ever, and you re-elected us with 73 per cent of the total votes,” he stated.
“I’m humbled by your confidence. You gave us the job, and with this renewed trust, we’ll move into high gear to deliver even more. Now that the people have spoken—let’s get to work. You ain’t seen anything yet,” he concluded.