Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been re-elected as Anambra State governor after securing 422,664 votes in Saturday’s governorship election.
The results, announced by the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, placed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, second with 99,445 votes, while Labour Party’s Dr George Moghalu and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate John Nwosu trailed with 11,030 and 8,208 votes, respectively.
However, opposition candidates have rejected the results, alleging widespread vote buying, violence, and irregularities. Ukachukwu claimed that one of his key supporters was attacked and her house burnt during the polls, while Nwosu described the election as “a cash-drenched spectacle” and a “subversion of the people’s will.” Moghalu also decried alleged underage voting and missing party logos on ballot papers.
The ADC accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of turning a blind eye to financial inducements at polling units, warning that the development poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, alongside Governors Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, congratulated Soludo on his victory. Tinubu described the re-election as proof of “visionary leadership and progress in Anambra,” while urging INEC to sustain the improved standard of the exercise.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Soludo thanked Anambra voters for their renewed mandate, describing the election as the most credible ever conducted in the state. He extended an olive branch to his opponents, pledging to work with them for the progress of the state.
“The people have spoken, and their votes counted,” Soludo said. “With this renewed trust and partnership, we will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra.”
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given INEC a seven-day ultimatum to hand over all cases of vote buying and their sponsors to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation.
SERAP said tackling impunity in electoral offences would strengthen democracy and restore public confidence in the electoral process.