Breaking: INEC Awards Certificates of Return to Soludo and Ibezim After Election Victory
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, officially confirming their re-election.
Naija News reports that the certificates were handed to the duo on Tuesday in Awka by the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for the Anambra governorship poll, Kenneth Ikeagu, two days after they were declared winners.
While presenting the certificates, Ikeagu said the Commission was acting in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He stated, “We are here to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, following their successful outing during the state governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
“Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been duly returned by the returning officer under the Act.
“In compliance with this statutory provision, I have the honour and privilege, in my capacity as the Supervising National Electoral Commissioner of the Anambra State governorship election, to present the certificates of return to the Governor and the Deputy Governor-elect.”
Soludo Wins In All 21 LGAs
Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared winner of the November 8 election on Sunday.
The Returning Officer, Prof. Edoba Omoregie of the University of Benin, announced that Soludo polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who scored 99,445 votes.
The Young Progressives Party candidate, Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes. INEC said 16 candidates participated in the poll.
The governor and his deputy arrived at the INEC state headquarters in Awka in the company of their wives for the certificate presentation ceremony.