President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor-elect of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on his re-election, describing the victory as a testament to the people’s confidence in his leadership and performance. In a statement released from the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the President commended the peaceful conduct of the election and praised the people of Anambra for once again demonstrating faith in the democratic process. Tinubu said the outcome of the poll represents a continuation of the governor’s efforts toward economic transformation and governance reforms in the state, assuring that the Federal Government will continue to work closely with the Anambra State Government to achieve shared development objectives.
A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Soludo first came into office in 2022 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. His administration has been noted for its focus on infrastructural expansion, education, healthcare, and a drive to attract investment into Anambra’s industrial and technological sectors. The re-election extends APGA’s control in the state, which has remained one of the party’s strongest political bases since the tenure of former Governor Peter Obi in the early 2000s.
President Tinubu also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the credible organisation of the election, noting that the process further strengthened public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. He applauded security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the electoral period and for ensuring that voters were able to exercise their civic responsibilities in a peaceful environment. The President urged INEC to continue improving its processes and to sustain its efforts in delivering transparent elections across the country.
Tinubu called on Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to extend a hand of cooperation to all political actors within the state, stressing that unity and inclusivity remain central to effective governance. He reiterated that his administration will continue to partner with all state governments, irrespective of political affiliation, to drive national progress and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every Nigerian. The President said such collaboration is essential for national development and stability, emphasizing that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting all states in their pursuit of growth and reform.
The election itself was largely peaceful, with reports indicating a high voter turnout in major population centres, including Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. Electoral observers noted that the process was characterised by improved logistics and early commencement of voting, which contributed to a smoother experience for many voters compared to previous elections in the state.
Governor Soludo, who expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra after his victory was announced, reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating on the gains of his first term. He promised to focus on expanding opportunities for youth employment, enhancing security, and building a more diversified economy capable of competing with other regional economies in West Africa. His acceptance speech emphasized that the coming term would focus on deeper collaboration with both the federal and local governments to address infrastructure challenges and enhance human capital development.
The re-election also signals continuity in Anambra’s political landscape, where APGA has maintained dominance despite the growing influence of national parties such as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party. The party’s resilience in the state has often been attributed to its strong grassroots structure, its regional appeal in the South-East, and its consistent message of local empowerment and self-reliance. Soludo’s victory, therefore, strengthens APGA’s standing as a significant political force in Nigeria’s multi-party system.
Samuel Aina