In a ceremonial event marked by optimism and calls for unity, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday formally presented the Certificate of Return to Professor Chukwuma Soludo, confirming his re-election as Governor of Anambra State. The presentation took place at INEC's headquarters in Awka, the state capital, just three days after the November 8 governorship election that saw Soludo secure an overwhelming victory. This development solidifies Soludo's position for a second term, underscoring the trust placed in him by the electorate and highlighting a significant milestone in Anambra's political landscape.
The certificate was handed over by Mr. Kenneth Ikeagu, INEC's Supervising National Electoral Commissioner designated for the Anambra governorship election. Ikeagu emphasized that the action was in strict adherence to legal protocols. "In compliance with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, I have the honour and privilege, in my capacity as the Supervising National Electoral Commissioner for the Anambra governorship election, to present the certificates of return to the governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect," Ikeagu declared. He further elaborated on the statutory requirement, quoting the section which obligates INEC to issue such certificates within 14 days to candidates duly declared winners by the returning officer. This procedural step not only validates the election results but also ensures transparency and accountability in Nigeria's democratic processes.
Professor Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), expressed profound gratitude upon receiving the certificate. He described the election as "unique," pointing out that his victory margin represented 73 percent of the total valid votes cast—a feat he believes has etched a new chapter in Anambra's history. "History has been made in Anambra," Soludo remarked, his voice resonating with a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. He vowed not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the people, pledging continued dedication to the state's development.
Soludo's appreciation extended beyond the electorate to key national figures and institutions that facilitated the smooth conduct of the poll. He specifically commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to allowing the people's will to prevail without interference. "I thank President Tinubu for standing firm to ensure that the will of the people prevailed," Soludo said. This acknowledgment comes amid broader discussions on electoral integrity in Nigeria, where allegations of manipulation have often marred previous contests.
The re-elected governor also lauded the security agencies for maintaining peace and order throughout the election period, preventing any major disruptions that could have undermined the process. INEC itself received high praise from Soludo for orchestrating what he termed a "free, fair, credible, and transparent" election. He highlighted the role of technology in enhancing the credibility of the exercise, noting that all systems functioned seamlessly. Special recognition was given to the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, whose debut oversight of a major election in Anambra was deemed a resounding success. "I appreciate the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. His first outing in Anambra was a success, as the technology worked perfectly. We celebrate him and his team," Soludo stated.
Looking ahead, Soludo expressed renewed hope for Nigeria's democracy, suggesting that the Anambra election could serve as a blueprint for future polls across the country. He urged citizens nationwide to rally behind INEC in its ongoing efforts to fortify the electoral framework, emphasizing that sustained support is crucial for institutional growth and public trust.
In a gesture of statesmanship, Soludo extended an olive branch to his political opponents, calling for collaboration in the interest of Anambra's progress. "The election is over. It is time to come together and serve our people, because Anambra must continue to rise," he appealed. This call for unity is particularly poignant in a state known for its vibrant but sometimes fractious politics, where post-election reconciliation can accelerate development initiatives.
To provide context on the election results, Soludo was officially declared the winner by Professor Edoba Omoregie, the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. Soludo garnered a commanding 422,664 votes, dwarfing his closest rival. Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a distant second place with 99,445 votes. This wide margin not only reflects Soludo's popularity but also APGA's entrenched dominance in Anambra, a party that has historically performed strongly in the state.
The November 8 election itself was noteworthy for its high voter engagement and minimal incidents of violence, contrasting with past governorship races in the region that have occasionally been overshadowed by security challenges. Voter turnout, while not specified in official releases, contributed to the substantial vote tally for the winner. The deployment of advanced technological tools, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), played a pivotal role in real-time result transmission and verification, reducing opportunities for disputes.
Soludo's first term, which began in 2022, has been characterized by ambitious infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and efforts to position Anambra as an industrial hub in Southeast Nigeria. His re-election is seen by supporters as an endorsement of these policies, including investments in education, healthcare, and road networks. Critics, however, have pointed to challenges like youth unemployment and security concerns in parts of the state, issues that Soludo will need to address more aggressively in his second tenure.
The presentation ceremony was attended by APGA stalwarts, government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the media, creating an atmosphere of celebration tempered with forward-looking resolve. As Anambra prepares for another four years under Soludo's leadership, the event symbolizes not just a personal triumph for the governor but a broader affirmation of democratic resilience in a nation grappling with electoral reforms.
In the wider Nigerian context, this outcome reinforces the importance of independent electoral bodies and the rule of law. With INEC under new leadership, the Anambra success story could inspire similar outcomes in upcoming off-cycle elections. Soludo's emphasis on national hope underscores a collective aspiration for elections that truly reflect the people's voice, free from undue influence.
As the certificates were handed over, it marked the official closure of the 2025 Anambra governorship cycle and the opening of a new chapter focused on governance and development. Professor Soludo, an economist by training and former Central Bank Governor, now bears the mantle to build on his legacy, ensuring that Anambra continues to "rise" as he eloquently put it. The people of Anambra, having spoken decisively at the polls, will be watching closely to see how their renewed mandate translates into tangible progress.
This re-election also sends ripples through Nigeria's political ecosystem. APGA's victory strengthens its regional foothold, potentially influencing alliances in the Southeast ahead of the 2027 general elections. For the opposition parties, including APC, it serves as a moment for introspection on strategies to challenge incumbents more effectively.
In conclusion, the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Professor Chukwuma Soludo is more than a formality; it is a testament to electoral maturity and a call to action for inclusive governance. With promises of non-disappointment and appeals for cooperation, Soludo's second term begins on a note of unity and purpose, poised to contribute to Anambra's and Nigeria's broader narrative of growth and stability.
