Anambra Election: You won fair And Square, Tinubu Congratulates Soludo, Ignore Ukachukwu

By Tony Okafor, Awka

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, on his re-election, describing Saturday’s governorship election as free, fair, and credible.

In a statement issued from the State House on Sunday, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies, and the people of Anambra State for their roles in ensuring the peaceful and successful conduct of the poll.

“I congratulate Professor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as the governor of Anambra State,” the President said. “The overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday’s poll has now made him the third governor in the state’s political history to win a second term.”

Tinubu described Soludo’s re-election as a validation of his “visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.”

He lauded the governor’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and prudent resource management, noting that his academic background has continued to shape the tone and direction of governance in the state.

“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people,” the President said.

Recalling his visit to Anambra earlier in the year, Tinubu said he was impressed by the quality and scope of projects executed under Soludo’s administration.

“I inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration and highlighted the good thinking behind them. That experience was remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind,” he added.

The President commended Soludo for “bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance,” adding that under his stewardship, “Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.”

Notably, Tinubu’s statement made no reference to the governorship candidate of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, who came second in the election.

Political observers interpret the omission as a deliberate acknowledgment of Soludo’s clear mandate and a gesture of statesmanship from the President.

Tinubu urged Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to extend a hand of cooperation to his opponents in the interest of peace and unity.

He also praised the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election, urging the Commission to sustain and improve on the standards achieved.

“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system,” Tinubu said. “It shows that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be denied.”

President Tinubu assured Governor Soludo of the Federal Government’s continued support and collaboration with Anambra State to deepen development and strengthen democratic governance across the country.