How I’ll develop Anambra in 2nd term -Soludo

The Anambra State Governor-elect, Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has assured the residents of the state that the next four years will witness faster, stronger, and deeper in transformation in all sectors of the economy.


The Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, on Sunday announced that Soludo polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC),k who scored 99,445 votes. Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, followed by George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP) with 10,576 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) garnered 8,208 votes.


Reacting to his victory, Soludo expressed deep gratitude to the people of Anambra, saying their overwhelming support reaffirmed their confidence in his administration’s vision and performance.

“This victory is not just for me; it is for the ordinary Anambra man and woman, for every market woman, trader, artisan, and youth who believes in a better state,” Soludo said while addressing journalists at his Isuofia country home in Aguata Local Government Area.


He continued, “Four years ago, you spoke and gave us your mandate. This time, you have spoken loudly. In terms of the percentage of registered voters who participated, about 22 percent voted in this election. Never before. You broke the 20 percent glass ceiling.”

Describing the election as a referendum on his first term, the governor said: “We applied for this job, and you employed us again. What I can say, as we stated throughout the campaign, is that you have not seen anything yet. Like the Americans would say, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet.’ Over the next four years, we will move faster, stronger, and deeper in transforming Anambra.”

Soludo pledged to prioritize infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, and economic growth. “We are going to double our efforts on infrastructure. We will build more roads, modern schools, and ensure every child has access to quality education. Human capital is the backbone of progress, and we will invest heavily in it,” he stated.


The governor extended an olive branch to his opponents, calling for unity and collaboration. “To my brothers and fellow contestants, I say congratulations to all of us. We were 16 in this race, and obviously only one person will win. We have fought a good fight, but we remain one Anambra family. Let’s work together for our people,” he said.

Soludo also commended President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a credible process and hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its technological improvements. “We thank Mr. President; he has proven to be a true democrat. I also thank the new INEC chairman — this was his first major test, and he passed excellently. As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, and he made a great one. Every election cycle in Anambra is getting better and better,” the governor remarked.

He, however, lamented the death of a councillor from Owerre Ezukala community, who was shot shortly after voting. “It’s unfortunate and unacceptable. Elections should never be a death sentence. We mourn his passing, and we will ensure justice is served,” Soludo said somberly.


Celebrating his resounding victory in winning all 21 local government areas and losing in only six wards, Soludo said: “This is a show of solidarity and an emphatic statement. We are in gear three, and with your renewed trust, we’re moving to gear four. This victory is a call to serve even harder. For me, no minute is to be wasted, ours is an assignment with a deadline.”