The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday presented certificates of return to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, following their victory in the November 8 governorship election.
The certificates were presented by the Supervising INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Anambra election, Kenneth Ukeagu, at the commission’s state headquarters in Awka.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ukeagu said the presentation marked the formal conclusion of the electoral process and reflected the confidence reposed in the governor and his deputy by the people of Anambra.
He stated that the action was in line with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to issue certificates of return within 14 days to candidates duly returned by the commission’s returning officers.
“In compliance with this statutory provision, I have the honour and privilege, in my capacity as the Supervising National Electoral Commissioner of the Anambra State governorship election, to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor-elect who emerged victorious in the just-concluded election,” Ukeagu said.
Governor Soludo, who was accompanied by his wife, Nonye, and children, expressed appreciation to INEC for what he described as a credible and peaceful election. He also thanked residents of Anambra and members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for renewing his mandate.
“With this renewed trust, we will accelerate the transformation of Anambra State and consolidate the progress we have made in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment,” Soludo said.
He assured that his administration would continue to pursue people-centered policies that would drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across all sectors.
INEC had on Sunday declared Soludo, the APGA candidate, winner of the election after he won in all 21 local government areas of the state.
According to the State Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Soludo polled 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes, and Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), who garnered 37,753 votes.
Other candidates included George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) with 10,576 votes, John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with 8,208 votes, and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 1,401 votes.
Out of 2,788,864 registered voters, 598,229 were accredited, while 595,298 votes were cast. INEC said 584,054 votes were valid and 11,244 were rejected.
The election featured candidates from 16 political parties.
Soludo, who first assumed office in March 2022, is set to begin his second term as Anambra’s governor under the platform of APGA, having won re-election by a wide margin.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
