Soludo Receives Certificate of Return, Commends Tinubu for Credible Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday presented the Certificate of Return to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, following his victory in the 2025 governorship election held last Saturday.

The certificate was handed to Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, at INEC’s office in Awka by the Supervising Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Tenders Board, Ken Ukeagu. Ukeagu described the document not merely as a symbol of triumph, but as a renewed mandate for service, urging Soludo to lead with unity, diligence, and innovation.

Anambra’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Elizabeth Agwu, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful outcome of the polls, describing it as a promise fulfilled.

In his remarks, Governor Soludo praised President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in the state. “There is hope for Nigeria,” he said, commending INEC and security agencies for their professionalism. He noted that Anambra made history as the first state where the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, successfully conducted his maiden major election.

Highlighting the significance of his re-election, Soludo observed that he is only the third sitting governor to win a second term in Anambra, following former governors Peter Obi in 2010 and Willie Obiano in 2017. “We will continue to work for our people. Anambra is on the rise, and our democratic process keeps improving,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) has predicted that Soludo will soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as “a natural progressive” whose principles align with President Tinubu’s. Kalu stated that Soludo, currently a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), would likely join the APC after pending legal matters are resolved.

Also, women’s advocacy group ElectHER has lauded Anambra for maintaining its position as Nigeria’s only state to have produced a female governor, despite declining female representation nationwide.

ElectHER’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibijoke Faborode, commended the state for its consistent record of women’s inclusion, noting that Anambra has produced four female senators (tied with Lagos) and six female ministers across different administrations. She made the remarks in Awka while unveiling the group’s Gender Situation Room and presenting findings from its pre-election assessment report.