The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reassured the people of the state that he will work even harder in his second term than he did in his first.
Soludo made the remarks at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka on Tuesday, shortly after receiving his certificate of return from the INEC Supervising National Commissioner for Anambra governorship election and Chairman, Tenders Board Committee, Dr. Ken Ikeagu.
The governor described the November 8, 2025, governorship election as free, fair, and credible, and thanked all who contributed to its success, especially President Bola Tinubu, whom he praised for ensuring transparency.
“I want to assure you that with my deputy and our team, we are going to ensure that Anambra continues to shine. God has been with us, and God is still with us,” Soludo said.
“I want to reassure you that I will not fail you. I will work harder in my second tenure than I did in my first term, so that at the end of the eight years, Anambra will look back and be happy that the confidence reposed in me by electing me as governor was not in vain.
“I also call on my brothers and sisters who contested with me to join hands so we can move our state forward and make it a destination hub in Nigeria. My first thanks goes to the Almighty God for performing the miracle of my overwhelming victory.”
Soludo commended Anambra voters for the “unprecedented” turnout during the election, noting that almost 600,000 people participated. He also praised the security agencies and INEC staff for ensuring that the will of the people was respected.
He highlighted the historic nature of the win, saying:
“For the first time in the history of Anambra State, a candidate got 73% of total votes cast, winning 98% of all wards and 99% of all polling units. There are several local governments where we did not lose even one polling unit.”
Soludo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, INEC, and the people of Anambra, particularly the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for their support. He also recalled past elections, emphasizing the importance of peaceful competition and respect for electoral outcomes.
The INEC Supervising National Commissioner, Dr. Ken Ikeagu, presented the certificate of return, noting that the issuance was in compliance with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to issue certificates within 14 days to duly returned candidates.
According to INEC, Soludo polled 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, who received 99,445 votes. The candidate of the Young Progressives Party, Sir Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes.
A total of 16 candidates from 16 political parties contested the election. Out of 2,788,864 registered voters, 598,229 were accredited, and 595,298 votes were cast, with 11,244 votes rejected across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Soludo won in all 21 local government areas, marking a historic landslide victory. He and his deputy were accompanied to the INEC headquarters by their wives.
