Governor Charles Soludo has described Saturday’s governorship election as the best organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.

Mr Soludo made the remark during his victory speech in Awka on Sunday, after being declared the winner of the November 8 governorship election by INEC.

Edoba Omoregie, the returning officer and vice-chancellor of the University of Benin, announced the result at INEC’s headquarters in Awka, declaring Mr Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance the winner with 422,664 votes.

He said Soludo defeated his closest rival, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 99,445 votes.

In his address, Mr Soludo expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a “true democrat” who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra.

“The people have spoken, and their votes counted. I thank INEC, especially the new chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan. I’m excited that your first impression was an emphatic one, as INEC delivered.

“Since 2017, when INEC started experimenting with technology, every election in Anambra has been getting better and better. This is the best election INEC has organised in Anambra so far,” Mr Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s ICT department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results on the IReV portal.

“As at midnight, over 99 per cent of results from polling units were uploaded on the IReV portal and everybody could download the results in real-time,” he said.

The governor also congratulated his fellow contestants, saying politics in Anambra should remain a contest of ideas, not enmity.

“Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and obviously, one person will win. In the Anambra way, we fight like there will be no tomorrow, but afterward, we meet and celebrate.

“I extend a hand of fellowship to all of you, as I’m prepared to work with everyone for the greater good of our dear state,” he added.

Mr Soludo dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra, describing it as a historic mandate.

“This victory is for the people of Anambra. Four years ago, when BVAS was first used, we had a low voter turnout and you elected us with 112,000 votes. This time, you spoke loudly. For the first time in our history, voter participation broke the 20 per cent ceiling as 22 per cent of registered voters came out and you re-elected us with 73 per cent of total votes.

“I’m humbled by this show of solidarity. We applied for the job, you employed us and with this renewed trust and partnership, we will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra. Now that the people have spoken, let’s get to work,  you ain’t seen anything yet,” he said.

(NAN)