AWKA, Nigeria — Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has won re-election in a landslide, clearing all 21 local government areas in the Anambra State governorship poll concluded early Sunday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Soludo’s victory at its state headquarters in Awka, where final collation showed the incumbent securing over 75 percent of the total votes cast. His closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), finished a distant second.
Soludo’s clean sweep marks a historic moment in Anambra’s electoral history, with the governor surpassing the constitutional requirement of winning at least two-thirds of the LGAs and the highest number of votes statewide.
In his post-election remarks, Soludo thanked voters for their confidence. “This victory is not mine alone — it belongs to every Anambra citizen who believes in the power of transformation. We will not relent,” he said.
Reactions across the state were swift and varied. Supporters gathered in Awka and Onitsha to celebrate, waving APGA flags and chanting “Solution is here to stay,” a reference to Soludo’s campaign slogan.
However, opposition figures expressed skepticism. Labour Party candidate George Moghalu said, “While we respect the outcome, we will be reviewing the process in select LGAs. Democracy must be transparent.”
Civil society groups monitoring the election praised improvements in logistics and voter turnout but raised concerns about low youth participation. “The process was largely peaceful, but the enthusiasm among young voters was underwhelming,” said Ngozi Okeke of the Anambra Civic Watch.
Governors from across Nigeria also weighed in. Abia State Governor Alex Otti congratulated Soludo, calling the victory “a resounding endorsement of visionary leadership.” Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah described the outcome as “a reflection of the people’s trust in continuity and competence.”
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma emphasized regional unity, saying, “Soludo’s win strengthens the Southeast’s voice in national development. I look forward to continued collaboration.” Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu posted on X, “Your clean sweep is a testament to your dedication and the people’s belief in your leadership.”
Political analysts say Soludo’s victory consolidates APGA’s influence in the region and positions the governor as a key figure in national discourse ahead of 2027. “This win gives Soludo leverage beyond Anambra,” said Dr. Emeka Nwosu of the Centre for Democratic Studies.
INEC officials reported no major irregularities, and international observers from ECOWAS and the Commonwealth described the election as “credible and reflective of the will of the people.” Soludo is expected to receive his certificate of return later today, after which he will outline his second-term agenda focused on infrastructure, education, and digital governance.
