Anambra Governor Soludo And Deputy Ibezim Receive Certificates Of Return Following Landslide Election Triumph

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially issued certificates of return to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, confirming their re-election for another term. The certificates were presented on Tuesday by Kenneth Ikeagu, the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for Anambra State, at the commission’s headquarters in Awka, two days after the duo was declared winners of the November 8 governorship election.

During the presentation ceremony, Ikeagu emphasized the legal requirement under Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the commission to provide certificates of return within 14 days to candidates duly declared victorious by returning officers. He described the moment as an honor, stating, “It is my honour to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor-elect, who emerged victorious in the election.”

Governor Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance, dominated the polls by securing a total of 422,664 votes. His victory was comprehensive, with all 21 local government areas voting in his favor. His closest contender, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, amassed 99,445 votes, while Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party came third with 37,753 votes. The election attracted candidates from 16 political parties, reflecting a competitive race that saw a total of 598,229 voters accredited from a registered 2,788,864. Out of these, 595,298 votes were cast, with 11,244 rejected.

The announcement of the results and issuance of certificates underscores the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process in Anambra State, according to INEC officials. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edoba Omoregie, who served as the returning officer, had formally declared Soludo and Ibezim winners, praising the high voter turnout in a largely peaceful election.

The ceremony was marked by a personal touch, as both Soludo and Ibezim were accompanied by their wives during the certificate handover. This gesture reflected the celebratory yet solemn recognition of their electoral success and commitment to the state’s governance.

Political analysts have noted that Soludo’s landslide victory highlights the sustained popularity of his administration and the strong support for APGA across the state. Observers suggest that this mandate will provide the governor and his deputy a robust platform to continue development projects and strengthen governance across Anambra State.

The issuance of the certificates of return formally concludes the election process and officially empowers Soludo and Ibezim to continue their service, marking a new chapter in the state’s political landscape. The event has been widely seen as a reinforcement of democratic principles and the rule of law, signaling a smooth transition into the next term for the incumbents.