The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally confirmed the re-election of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, by presenting them with certificates of return. This ceremony took place in Awka, two days after the duo was declared the winner of the November 8 governorship election.

According to Kenneth Ikeagu, INEC Supervising National Commissioner for Anambra State, the presentation was in compliance with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates INEC to issue certificates of return to duly elected candidates within 14 days. Ikeagu emphasized that it was an honor to present the certificates to Soludo and Ibezim, who emerged victorious in the election.

Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured 422,664 votes, winning all 21 local government areas, as announced by the Returning Officer, Edoba Omoregie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin. His main contender, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 99,445 votes, while Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came in third with 37,753 votes.

A total of 16 candidates from various political parties participated in the election, with 598,229 out of 2,788,864 registered voters accredited. The election saw 595,298 votes cast, with 11,244 votes rejected. Soludo and Ibezim were accompanied by their wives during the certificate presentation at the INEC headquarters.

The formal confirmation of Soludo’s re-election marks a significant milestone in the electoral process, following a competitive campaign. As the governor and his deputy prepare to begin their new term, they will face the task of addressing the state’s challenges and delivering on their campaign promises. With the presentation of certificates of return, the stage is set for their inauguration and the commencement of their new administration.