By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued certificate of return to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo and his Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
The certificate was issued after Soludo’s victory in the election held on Saturday November 8, 2025 across the 21 local government areas of the state.
Soludo in his speech, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his initiative in Electoral reform that has given to the nation’s democracy practice.
He described the November 8 governorship election as “historic” and “impressive” having beaten 16 opponents with over 400, 000 marginal votes amid peaceful contest after he had lost two previous gubernatorial contests in 2010 under the banner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was disqualified during the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2017.
Soludo also disclosed that his score to emerge elected for second teme overwhelmed that of his predecessors, Mr. Peter Obi and Chief Willie Maduaburochukwu Obianyo.
The governorship stated this shortly after he received the INEC ‘s certificate of return at exactly 1.34pm alongside his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim at 1.28pm before the watchful eyes of members of his party, state executive Council and supporters at the ceremony held on Tuesday at the Commission’s headquarters in Awka the state capital.
The INEC National Commissioner supervising Anambra Election, Dr. Kenneth Ikeagu, presented the certificate to Soludo and his Deputy.
The governor expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of his wife, children and family members and those of the deputy Governor, first to Almighty God and people of the state. This is the day he has made. I said during the campaign that this is a divine project and peoples movement.”
“We thank God Almighty for a day like this today. Four years ago we were here and history is being repeated in a very profound way today. Foru years ago, we were here and both of us (governor and deputy) received certificates of return but I think the National Commissioner then was not available and so we had it from the REC.,” he said.
He noted that, “Today, a very significant thing has happened. As I got the certificate I looked very closely, I saw that the new chairman of INEC, this is his first election since assumption of office and so this appears to be the first certificate of return issues by the new INEC Chairman on assumption of office; isn’t it history?
History is made in Anambra’ and that’s quite suspicious. And for the election that is not just history.
While presenting the certificates, Ikeagu said the event was in fulfillment of Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022,.
He said the section mandates INEC to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate duly returned by the returning officer.
“In compliance with this statutory provision, I have the honour and privilege, in my capacity as the Supervising National Electoral Commissioner for the Anambra governorship election, to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor-elect, who emerged victorious in the just-concluded election,” he declared.
Soludo pledged not to disappoint the people of Anambra who entrusted him with their mandate in the Nov. 8 governorship election.
“This election is unique, as we were elected with 73 per cent of the total valid votes cast. History has been made in Anambra,” he said.
Charlie Nwamgbafor commended President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and INEC for ensuring a level playing field and the peaceful conduct of the election.
“I thank President Tinubu for standing firm to ensure that the will of the people prevailed.
“I also thank INEC for restoring our confidence in the electoral process by conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
“I appreciate the new INEC Chairman, his first outing in Anambra was a success, as the technology worked perfectly. We celebrate him and his team.
“With this Anambra election, there is renewed hope for our country,” he added.
Soludo urged Nigerians to continue supporting INEC in its efforts to strengthen the electoral process.
He also called on his opponents to join hands with him for the progress of the state.
“The election is over; it is time to come together and serve our people because Anambra must continue to rise,” he added.
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