The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the incumbent governor of Anambra State and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to the results announced early Sunday morning by the Returning Officer at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, Soludo secured 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 99,445 votes. Soludo reportedly won in all 21 local government areas of the state.

INEC stated that the election was conducted across 5,720 polling units, with APGA maintaining a dominant presence in both urban and rural areas—further consolidating its political stronghold in the South-East state.

However, the poll was tainted by reports of vote-buying, voter intimidation, and malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which disrupted the process in several locations. Some opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused APGA of “massive vote-buying” and the misuse of state resources to sway voters.

Civil society observers also cited logistical delays, security lapses, and incidents of thuggery in areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi North, and Onitsha South. In one incident, a presiding officer in Njikoka Local Government reportedly fainted due to crowd pressure and technical challenges.

Despite these irregularities, celebrations erupted across Awka and Ekwulobia as Soludo’s supporters flooded the streets, describing his re-election as “a vote for continuity and stability.”

In his acceptance speech, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra for their renewed mandate, pledging to deepen reforms and accelerate development in his second term.

“This victory belongs to Ndi Anambra. We shall deepen reforms, complete ongoing projects, and make Anambra a model state for innovation and productivity,” Soludo said.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have vowed to challenge the outcome at the Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal, alleging widespread manipulation and irregularities.

INEC, however, maintained that the election was “free, fair, and credible,” insisting that claims of rigging were exaggerated.

With this victory, Governor Soludo secures another four-year term, extending APGA’s 19-year uninterrupted leadership in Anambra State.