The All-Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, is savouring its victory in the Anambra State Governorship election won by Prof. Chukwuma Soludo which himself described as the best organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the state so far.
Soludo made the remark during his victory speech in Awka on Sunday after being declared winner of the Nov. 8 governorship election by INEC.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced the result at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, declaring Soludo winner with 422,664 votes.
He said Soludo defeated his closest rival, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All-Progressives Congress, who scored 99,445 votes.
In his address, Soludo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “true democrat” who demonstrated commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra.
“The people have spoken and their votes counted. I thank INEC, especially the new Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. I’m excited that your first impression was an emphatic one, as INEC delivered.
“Since 2017 when INEC started experimenting with technology, every election in Anambra has been getting better and better.
Also Read: Soludo wins another term in Anambra State
“This is the best election INEC has organised in Anambra so far,” Soludo said.
He commended INEC’s ICT department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results on the IReV portal.
“As at midnight, over 99 per cent of results from polling units were uploaded on the IReV portal and everybody could download the results in real-time,” he said.
The governor also congratulated his fellow contestants, saying politics in Anambra should remain a contest of ideas, not enmity.
“Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and obviously one person will win. In the Anambra way, we fight like there will be no tomorrow, but afterward, we meet and celebrate.
“I extend a hand of fellowship to all of you, as I’m prepared to work with everyone for the greater good of our dear state,” he added.
Soludo dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra, describing it as a historic mandate.
“This victory is for the people of Anambra. Four years ago, when BVAS was first used, we had a low voter turnout, and you elected us with 112,000 votes.
“This time, you spoke loudly. For the first time in our history, voter participation broke the 20 per cent ceiling as 22 per cent of registered voters came out and you re-elected us with 73 per cent of total votes.
“I’m humbled by this show of solidarity. We applied for the job, you employed us and with this renewed trust and partnership, we will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra.
“Now that the people have spoken, let’s get to work, you ain’t seen anything yet,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr Sly Ezeokenwa has described the Saturday governorship election in Anambra as “one of the most transparent and well-organised elections” in the history of the state.
Ezeokenwa commended INEC for conducting a free, credible and peaceful governorship poll in Anambra.
Ezeokenwa made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Awka, while reacting to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s victory at the just concluded governorship poll.
INEC declared Soludo winner of the Nov. 8 governorship election.
Prof. Edogah Omoregie, Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced on Sunday in Awka, that Soludo of APGA won the election with 422,664 votes.
Soludo defeated his closest rival, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress who scored 99,445 votes.
According to the chairman, Anambra has never witnessed an election conducted like that of Nov. 8 in the past.
“INEC deserves commendation for ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process,” he said.
Ezeokenwa also appreciated residents of the state and the media for their peaceful conduct and cooperation during the election.
“I thank residents for their exemplary behaviour and for maintaining peace before, during and after the polls. I also commend the media for their professionalism in reporting the process,” he added.
(NAN)
