The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday officially confirmed the re-election of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, by presenting them with their certificates of return.

The certificates were handed over at the INEC state headquarters in Awka by Kenneth Ikeagu, the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for the Anambra governorship poll, just two days after the duo was declared winners of the November 8 election.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ikeagu emphasized that the presentation was in strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2022. “Section 72(1) of the Act mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate duly returned by the returning officer,” he explained. “It is in line with this statutory provision that we are honouring Governor Soludo and his deputy with their certificates of return today.”

Soludo, representing the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured victory across all 21 local government areas of the state, reaffirming his political dominance in Anambra.

According to the Returning Officer, Professor Edoba Omoregie of the University of Benin, the governor polled 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes.

The Young Progressives Party candidate, Paul Chukwuma, trailed in third place with 37,753 votes. INEC confirmed that a total of 16 candidates contested the election.

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Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Ibezim attended the ceremony alongside their spouses, marking a celebratory end to a smooth electoral process in the state.

The certificate presentation solidifies their mandate to continue governance in Anambra State, as they prepare for a second term in office.