Anambra Polls: Tinubu hails Soludo’s re-election victory

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Professor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)  winner of the November 8 Governorship election in Anambra.

The Governor was reelected with 422,664 votes to defeat Chief Nichols Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 99,445 votes.

Professor Edoba Omoregie, Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, made the declaration at the commission’s headquarters in Awka on Sunday.

Mr Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) secured 37,753 votes and George Moghalu of Labour Party scored 10,576 votes, while John Nwosu, of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), polled 8,208 votes.

In a statement released by his aide, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election and congratulated the Anambra people, the security agencies and INEC on peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.

The President said Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.
He added that Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.

The President recalled when visited Anambra State in May this year, where he inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration, highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by Mr Solution. “That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind”, he said.

He commended the Governor for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra, adding that under the Governor, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.
Tinubu urged Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in just-concluded elections while assured him of his unwavering support, and looking forward to continue the collaboration between the State and the Federal Govt.

“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied”, the President said.

He thanked the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what observers described as a credible election, based on reports and charge them with maintaining the standards and further improving the performance, continue to strengthen and deepen the Nation’s electoral system.