INEC formally presents credentials to Anambra governor and running mate
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially issued certificates of return to Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, following their victory in the recent Anambra State governorship election.
The presentation took place at INEC’s state headquarters in Awka on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, marking a formal recognition of their electoral mandate.
Kenneth Ikeagu, the National Commissioner of INEC in charge of the Anambra election, handed over the credentials, citing Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the commission to issue certificates within 14 days to duly returned candidates.
Landmark win for Soludo and Ibezim
Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured a resounding victory in the election, polling 422,664 votes, while his main competitor from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, garnered 99,445 votes. The third-place candidate from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) recorded 37,753 votes. A total of 16 candidates contested the race. Vanguard News+1
INEC data show that out of 2,788,864 registered voters, 598,229 were accredited, with 595,298 votes cast and 11,244 rejected — indicating both high participation and a low rejection rate. Daily Post Nigeria
The scale of the victory was historic: An unprecedented turnout and near-sweep of wards and polling units. Soludo noted that the electorate’s vote sent a clear message. Daily Post Nigeria+1
Soludo commends INEC and security agencies
In his remarks following the presentation, Soludo thanked INEC, the new Chairman Joash Amupitan, and the security agencies for ensuring the integrity of the election and safeguarding voters’ will. Daily Post Nigeria+1
“There is indeed hope for this country. I always see Nigeria as half full, not half empty,” Soludo declared. Daily Post Nigeria
He emphasized the importance of allowing the vote to count and reiterated that proper elections are foundational to accountable and responsive governance. The governor-elect also recalled his own concession in the 2010 election as a reminder of democratic duty. Daily Post Nigeria
What the certificate of return means
A certificate of return is the formal instrument from INEC that confirms a candidate has been duly returned by the election process and may assume office. Under the Electoral Act 2022, its issuance is mandatory within 14 days following a valid election result. Daily Post Nigeria+1
With the issuance of this certificate, Soludo and Ibezim are now cleared to proceed with the formal transition process and assume their respective offices under the democratic mandate of the people of Anambra State.
The road ahead for Anambra
Given the scale of the victory and the smooth certification process, Soludo inherits both an opportunity and heavy expectations. Observers note that the successful electoral conduct and the mandate given by voters place significant pressure on the incoming administration to deliver results.
As he completes the transition, key areas of focus cited by his team include: youth employment, infrastructure development, security strengthening, and improved governance. The message from the certification event is clear — the electorate expects action beyond rhetoric.
Soludo’s pledge to see Nigeria “as half full” resonates with a call for optimism combined with urgency. For his deputy Ibezim, the journey ahead involves supporting the agenda, and for APGA, the triumph affirms their standing in the South-East region.
