The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday officially presented certificates of return to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, confirming their re-election in the November 8 governorship election.
The presentation ceremony took place at the INEC state headquarters in Awka, the Anambra State capital, two days after the electoral body declared the duo winners of the governorship election.
The certificates were handed over by Kenneth Ikeagu, INEC’s Supervising National Commissioner for Anambra State, in the presence of senior INEC officials, party representatives, and supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Speaking during the brief but colourful ceremony, Ikeagu explained that the presentation of certificates of return to duly elected candidates was a constitutional requirement under the Electoral Act 2022.
He said, “Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates INEC to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate duly returned by the returning officer. In compliance with this provision, it is my honour to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor-elect, who emerged victorious in the election.”
Ikeagu congratulated Governor Soludo and his deputy on their victory, describing the process as peaceful and transparent. He also commended the people of Anambra State for their orderly conduct throughout the election period.
He added that INEC would continue to uphold the principles of free, fair, and credible elections, assuring that lessons learned from the Anambra election would help improve future polls in Nigeria.
Professor Soludo, who contested on the platform of APGA, secured a decisive victory, winning in all 21 local government areas of the state.
According to the results announced by the Returning Officer, Professor Edoba Omoregie, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Soludo polled 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes.
Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes.
INEC reported that 16 candidates from different political parties took part in the election. Out of the 2,788,864 registered voters, 598,229 were accredited. The total votes cast stood at 595,298, while 11,244 votes were rejected.
The margin of victory reaffirmed Soludo’s strong political base and the continued dominance of APGA in Anambra politics.
The atmosphere at the INEC headquarters was filled with excitement as Governor Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Ibezim, arrived with their wives and top government officials to receive their certificates.
Supporters of APGA dressed in party colours chanted songs and waved flags as the governor stepped up to receive his certificate from the INEC commissioner.
In his remarks shortly after receiving the document, Soludo expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra for re-electing him and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the state with renewed energy and dedication.
“I thank the good people of Anambra for trusting us once again with their mandate,” Soludo said. “This victory belongs to the people, and we will continue to work hard to make Anambra a model state that every Nigerian can be proud of.”
He also commended INEC for conducting what he described as a “credible and transparent election,” and extended a hand of friendship to his opponents, urging them to join him in building a greater Anambra.
“This is not a time for division or bitterness. Elections are over; governance has begun. I invite all our brothers and sisters from other parties to come together for the progress of our state,” the governor added.
Governor Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was first elected as Anambra State Governor in 2021 under the platform of APGA. His re-election in 2025 further strengthens the party’s control of the state, which it has governed since 2006.
APGA has continued to maintain its political stronghold in Anambra, largely due to its local identity and reputation as a “homegrown party.” It has produced notable leaders such as former Governor Peter Obi (before he defected to the PDP) and Chief Willie Obiano.
Soludo’s administration has focused on expanding infrastructure, boosting local manufacturing, improving education, and introducing reforms aimed at making Anambra one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant states.
His re-election is seen by political observers as an endorsement of his development agenda and leadership style, especially his efforts to improve road networks, enhance security, and promote technology-driven governance.
INEC officials also used the occasion to commend Anambra voters for their patience and discipline during the election.
Kenneth Ikeagu said the high voter turnout in many local government areas reflected the growing confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process.
“Despite challenges, the people of Anambra have shown once again that democracy is about participation and responsibility,” he said. “INEC appreciates their cooperation and peaceful conduct.”
He assured that INEC would continue to improve logistics, voter education, and the use of technology in future elections to make Nigeria’s electoral system more efficient and credible.
While APGA supporters celebrated, some opposition figures have called for a review of certain polling unit results. The APC candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has not publicly congratulated Soludo as of press time, though his campaign team has said it is still studying the results.