Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said his landslide victory in Saturday’s election is proof that Nigeria’s electoral process is steadily improving.
Speaking after being declared the winner, Soludo pointed to the peaceful conduct of the polls, his overwhelming win, and the increased voter turnout as signs that elections in the country are becoming more credible and transparent.
He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “a true democrat” for ensuring a level playing field during the election.
The governor, who promised to intensify service delivery, said he would “move from gear three to four” in his second term performance.
Soludo spoke at his hometown, Isuofia, in Aguata Local Government Area, shortly after the Returning Officer, Professor Edoba Omoregie, Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced the results.
Excited residents and supporters from across the state trooped to his home to celebrate his emphatic victory, where he won all 21 local government areas.
According to official results, Soludo clinched 72 per cent of the total votes, securing 422,662 votes and winning in 320 out of 326 electoral wards.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, came second with 99,445 votes, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes.
The Labour Party (LP) candidate, George Moghalu, finished fourth with 10,576 votes, and John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) followed with 8,208 votes. The remaining eleven candidates performed poorly.
Soludo said, “This is a moment to say congratulations to the Anambra people. Four years ago, we were elected with 112,000 votes, but this time you spoke loudly with your votes. This is a show of solidarity and a very emphatic statement.
“Out of 326 wards, we lost only six wards, and we won the entire 21 local governments, and that is a very emphatic statement.
“We are in partnership with people at all levels in the state, and we are matching on to gear four. We are in gear three as it were, and we are moving to gear four. Thanks to the Anambra people for renewing our employment.
“We thank Mr President, he has proven to be a very good democrat. I thank the new INEC chairman (Joash Amupitan).
“It was his first outing, and as the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and you have proven that with this election. Every election year is getting better and better in Anambra.
“Except for a few cases, I think the election was very fair and credible. I thank the ICT section of INEC, as of Saturday night, they had uploaded up to 99 per cent of the results, and we already knew where the election was going.
“To my brothers (other contestants), I say, we were 16, and obviously, only one person will win.
“We have had fun, we have fought, but we will still meet at functions at weekends and share drinks the Anambra way.
“I extend a hand of fellowship to you, and we will work together to make Anambra better.
“For me, we will work for the Anambra people, and no minute is lost. Ours is an assignment with a deadline.”
Soludo, however, expressed sadness over the killing of an APGA councillor in Owerre-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area, despite the heavy security presence during the election.
After his speech, the governor joined his family, APGA officials, and jubilant supporters in a victory dance.
