AWKA, Nigeria (FN) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally presented certificates of return to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, confirming their re-election following the November 8, 2025 governorship election. The ceremony took place Tuesday at the INEC headquarters in Awka, two days after the official declaration of results.
The certificates were handed over by Kenneth Ikeagu, the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for the Anambra election. He praised the peaceful conduct of the poll and emphasized INEC’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. “We are here to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, following their successful outing during the state governorship election,” Ikeagu said.
Citing Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Ikeagu noted that INEC is mandated to issue certificates of return within 14 days to candidates duly declared winners. “In compliance with this statutory provision, I have the honour and privilege to present the certificates of return to the Governor and the Deputy Governor-elect,” he added.
Soludo, who contested under the banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured a decisive victory with 422,664 votes. His closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), garnered 99,445 votes, while Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes. The results were announced by the Returning Officer, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin.
According to INEC, the election featured 16 candidates from 16 political parties. Out of 2,788,864 registered voters in the state, 598,229 were accredited to vote. A total of 595,298 votes were cast, with 11,244 rejected ballots recorded across the 21 local government areas.
Soludo achieved a clean sweep, winning in all 21 local government areas of Anambra State — a feat that political analysts described as a “landslide reaffirmation” of his leadership. The governor and his deputy were accompanied by their wives to the INEC office, where they received their certificates amid cheers from party supporters and officials.
In his acceptance remarks, Soludo thanked the people of Anambra for their trust and pledged to deepen reforms and infrastructure development. “This victory is not just for APGA, but for every Anambra citizen who believes in progress, peace, and prosperity,” he said. Ibezim echoed the sentiment, promising continued collaboration with the governor to deliver on campaign promises.
Public reactions have been largely positive, with many residents expressing satisfaction over the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process. Civil society groups praised INEC for timely logistics and improved voter accreditation. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, while APGA supporters held celebratory rallies in Awka and other major towns.
However, opposition parties have called for post-election reviews, citing concerns over voter turnout and rejected ballots. The APC candidate, Ukachukwu, has yet to issue a formal concession statement, though party insiders suggest he may challenge the results in court. INEC officials maintain that the election met national standards and reflected the will of the people.
