The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday presented the certificate of return to Prof. Charles Soludo for emerging winner of the governorship election held in Anambra on November 6 and 9.
INEC national commissioner supervising Anambra Festus Okoye presented the certificate to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in Awka.
Deputy governor-elect Onyeka Ibezim also received his certificate of return at same the event.
In his remarks, Soludo promised not to disappoint the people of the state.
“Initially, there were tense moments, but this election happened in a unique way and we dedicate this victory to God and the people of Anambra who believed and gave us their mandate.
“We will never take for granted the resilience, commitments and actions of the various federal institutions that worked so hard to see us to this day,” he said.
Soludo commended the Presidency, security agencies and INEC for insisting on a level playing field, and the judiciary for standing on the path of integrity.
INEC resident commissioner in Anambra Nwachukwu Orji said the commission had done its best to deliver a credible election and also promoted the image of INEC.
Orji was represented by the administrative secretary of INEC Chima Duruaku.
The election originally held on November 6 was stretched to November 9 to allow a supplementary poll in Ihiala local government.
Soludo, 61, won with 112,229 votes, defeating 17 other candidates including his main rivals Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party who polled 53,807 votes; Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress who got 43,285 votes; and Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party who polled 21,261 votes in the fourth position.
Soludo will be sworn into office next March after the expiration of the two-term tenure of the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano.
