Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has officially received his Certificate of Return as the winner of last Saturday’s governorship election. The presentation took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka.
Soludo, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, their spouses, aides, and supporters, was presented with the certificate by the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for Anambra State, Kenneth Ikeagu.
“We are here to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, following their successful outing during the state governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025,” Ikeagu 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.”
Governor Soludo commended INEC and its chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, for conducting a transparent and credible election.
“I congratulate INEC and its new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. You do not get a second chance to create a first impression, and we are delighted that his first outing was here in Anambra, which was widely celebrated. INEC deserves more recognition for its efforts,” Soludo said.
He praised security agencies for ensuring the integrity of the process and lauded the unprecedented voter turnout.
“Almost 600,000 people participated in this election. For the first time in Anambra’s history, a candidate secured 73% of total votes cast, winning 98% of all wards and 99% of polling units. In several local governments, we did not lose a single polling unit,” he noted.
Soludo also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s firm commitment to democratic principles and electoral transparency.
“I thank President Bola Tinubu for his stand that votes must count in a democracy. INEC has restored confidence in our electoral system. Our electoral process continues to improve every year,” he said, recalling the August by-election where APGA won a Senate seat with 75% of the vote because votes were allowed to count.
Concluding his remarks, Soludo expressed gratitude to Anambra voters and urged political opponents to uphold unity and sportsmanship.
“I thank the people of Anambra, many of whom stood under the sun to cast their votes. To other candidates, I say we are brothers. In 2010, I ran and, even though I lost, I congratulated the winner two hours after results were announced,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Anambra State.
