By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as Governor of Anambra State, describing the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election as a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s democracy and the credibility of the nation’s electoral system.

In a statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu said the resounding victory recorded by Soludo and the All Grand Progressives Alliance (AGPA) demonstrates the vitality of Nigeria’s political system and affirms that “victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.”

According to official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Soludo secured 422,664 votes, representing 74.2 percent of the total ballots cast, to defeat his closest rival from the All Progressives Congress (APC) who polled 99,445 votes. The Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, Labour Party (LP) fourth with 10,576 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trailed with 1,401 votes.

Declaring the results, the Returning Officer for the Anambra Governorship Election, Prof. Edoba Omorogie (SAN) of the University of Benin, announced that having satisfied all legal requirements and scored the highest number of votes, Prof. Soludo was duly elected and returned as Governor of Anambra State.

President Tinubu lauded the conduct of the election, commending the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for what he described as a credible, transparent, and peaceful process.

“I must thank the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what observers have described as a credible election, based on reports I have received thus far,” the President said.

Tinubu also saluted the people of Anambra State for their peaceful participation, the security agencies for maintaining order, and Governor Soludo for his exemplary leadership.

“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance. Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that knowledge is indeed power — that academic principles can be applied in serving the people through accountability, transparency, and prudent management of resources,” he stated.

The President recalled his visit to Anambra in May, where he inaugurated several landmark projects executed by the Soludo administration, noting that the state was living up to its motto as “The Light of the Nation.”

“I commend Governor Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra. His performance has brought renewed hope to the people,” Tinubu said.

While urging Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and extend a hand of fellowship to his opponents, the President pledged the continued support and partnership of the Federal Government in advancing development across Anambra State.

“I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support and look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government,” Tinubu affirmed.

The President further charged INEC to build on the successes of the Anambra poll, stressing the need for continuous improvement in the nation’s electoral process.

“I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system,” Tinubu concluded.