INEC Declares Soludo Winner of Anambra Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the Anambra State Governorship election, held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Florence Obi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, made the announcement at the INEC State Collation Centre in Awka shortly after midnight, confirming Soludo’s re-election for a second term in office.
According to the official results, Prof. Soludo polled a total of 112,312 votes, defeating his closest rival, Senator Andy Uba of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 53,214 votes, while Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured 48,811 votes. The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Obiora Agbasimalo, came fourth with 8,416 votes.
Prof. Obi declared: “Having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of valid votes cast, I, Professor Florence Obi, hereby declare Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the duly elected Governor of Anambra State.”
The election, which recorded improved voter participation compared to previous polls, was largely peaceful, though some delays in the distribution of materials and technical issues with the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) were reported in parts of Ihiala, Aguata, and Onitsha North.
Supplementary voting was conducted in isolated polling units on Sunday to make up for areas where voting was disrupted, ensuring every eligible voter had the opportunity to cast their ballot.
In his victory speech delivered at his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo expressed profound gratitude to the people of Anambra for their confidence and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the State through inclusive governance.
“This victory belongs to the good people of Anambra who believe in progress, unity, and continuity. Together, we will consolidate on our achievements in security, infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment,” he said.
He also praised INEC for conducting what he described as “a credible and transparent election,” while extending an olive branch to his opponents, urging them to join hands in building a greater Anambra.
Meanwhile, the APC and PDP campaign organizations have announced plans to review the election process, alleging irregularities in some Local Government Areas. However, INEC maintained that the election met all constitutional and procedural standards.
Security Agencies commended residents for maintaining peace throughout the exercise and have urged supporters to celebrate responsibly. Major streets in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi erupted with jubilation as APGA supporters danced, waved flags, and chanted victory songs.
With this victory, Prof. Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and renowned economist, cements his place as one of the leading reform-minded governors in Nigeria’s Southeast region and reinforces APGA’s stronghold in Anambra politics.
