INEC Presents Certificate of Return to Soludo, Ekweremadu Congratulates Him

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

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

The presentation took place at the INEC office in Awka, the Anambra State capital. His deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, was also presented with his Certificate of Return.

Soludo was the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which is currently ruling the state with Governor Willie Obiano.
He won 19 of the 21 local governments areas including Ihiala Local Government Area which had its own election done last Monday.

Soludo polled 112,229 votes, thereby defeating his closest rivals, Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 53,807 votes; Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who got 43,285 votes and Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) who polled 21,261 votes.

Party members, who trooped out to celebrate the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, have headed to Isuofia, his country home to continue the celebration.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated Soludo saying he possesses the experience and pedigree to lead the state and contribute to development of the South-east in particular and Nigeria at large.

Ekweremadu, also congratulated the people of Anambra and critical stakeholders for the peaceful election, stressing that by electing Soludo, the people of Anambra State had upped the bar of leadership recruitment in the South-east, saying such was very important if Ndigbo must build the region of their dreams.

According to a post on his verified Facebook page, @iamekweremadu, the ranking Senator said: “Hearty congratulations to the governor-elect of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, on his well earned victory.

“I commend him for his humility and magnanimity in victory manifested in his hand of fellowship to all, especially other candidates. No doubt, he has the experience and pedigree to provide leadership to Ndi Anambra as well as contribute immensely to the development of the South-east and the nation.

“Congratulations also to the people of Anambra State. They have spoken and they spoke in a credible, free, fair, peaceful, and transparent manner.

“I commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, media, Civil Society Organisations, Ndi Anambra, and the political leaders of the state, especially the candidates, some of who have already congratulated Soludo.

“In all, the peaceful conduct of the election against all odds, is a major victory, not only for Ndi Anambra, but also for Ndigbo and the nation’s democracy. Importantly, Ndi Anambra have raised the bar of leadership recruitment in Igbo land. It is a step in the right direction, for charity must begin at home if we must build the South-east and Nigeria of our dreams.”