Reelected Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for allowing what he described as a free and credible governorship election in the state, while extending an olive branch to his fellow contestants.
Soludo, who addressed journalists at his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, on Sunday, said his re-election was a strong statement of the people’s confidence in his administration.
“This is a moment to say congratulations to Anambra people,” Soludo declared. “Four years ago, we were elected with 112,000 votes, but this time you spoke loudly with 73 percent of the entire votes. That’s an emphatic statement of solidarity.”
According to the governor, his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in all 21 local government areas of the state, losing only six wards. “We are in partnership with the people at all levels in the state. We are matching on to gear four,” he said.
Soludo praised President Tinubu for upholding democratic principles and commended the new INEC chairman for what he called a transparent outing.
“I thank Mr. President. He has proven to be a very good democrat. I also thank the new INEC chairman. It was his first outing, and as the saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. You have proven that with this election,” Soludo stated.
The governor described the poll as “largely free, fair and credible,” while lauding the ICT department of INEC for what he termed near-instant result uploads. “As of last night, 99 percent of results had been uploaded, and we already knew where the election was going,” he said.
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He extended a hand of fellowship to the 15 other candidates who contested against him. “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,” Soludo said with a smile.
He, however, mourned a councillor from Owerre Ezukala community who was reportedly shot dead after casting his vote.
“It is a border town, and we understand that the attackers came from the borders. It was unfair and very painful,” the governor lamented.
Soludo assured that his second term will focus on consolidating ongoing projects, deepening community development, and driving Anambra’s transformation agenda to “gear four.”
“Our assignment has a deadline. We cannot afford to waste a single minute. We will work for Anambra people and make this mandate count,” he said.
