Anambra Election: INEC presents Soludo with Certificate of Return

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Friday presented the Certificate of Return to Prof Chukwuma Soludo as the winner of the Anambra State governorship election, held November 6 and 9.

Soludo and the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim, were presented with the certificates at the INEC office in Awka, the Anambra State capital, by the INEC National Commissioner Supervising Anambra, Mr Festus Okoye.

Okoye said the ceremony signified that Soludo and his deputy won the election, promising that the commission would audit the conduct of the election and utilise the lessons to improve on the next set of elections.

Speaking, Soludo said, “Initially, there were tense moments but this election happened in a unique way and we dedicate this victory to God and the people of Anambra who believed and gave us their mandate.

“We will never take for granted the resilience, commitments, and actions of the various federal institutions that worked so hard to see us to this day.

“I won’t fail to mention the presidency, security agencies, and INEC for insisting on a level playing field as well as the judiciary for standing on the path of integrity.

READ: BREAKING: Soludo is Anambra State Governor-Elect

“I believe that a sound and credible electoral system is foundational to having an accountable, responsive, and developmental state.

“So, I believe that INEC is getting better by the day. I also believe that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, deployed, if refined, will give us that desired Eldorado in our electoral system.”

The state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nwachukwu Orji, in his remarks said the commission had done its best to deliver credible election and also promoted the image of INEC.

Orji, who was represented by Mr Chima Duruaku, Administrative Secretary of INEC, commended the people of Anambra for the maturity displayed before, during and after the election.

Soludo was the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), currently the ruling party in Anambra, with Willie Obiano as governor.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor won 19 of the 21 local governments areas, including Ihiala Local Government Area which had its election rescheduled for Tuesday.