The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Sunday said Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s victory in the Anambra State gubernatorial poll reflected the people’s trust in his leadership and commitment to building a liveable and prosperous homeland.

APGA said this in a statement on Sunday by its national publicity secretary, Ejimofor Opara. It congratulated Mr Soludo, describing his re-election as “historic and overwhelming.”

“With 73 per cent of the total votes cast and victories in 98 per cent of the 326 electoral wards across the state, the people of Anambra have once again delivered a clear, unequivocal and overwhelming mandate,” he said.

Mr Opara described the outcome as “not merely an electoral result, but a referendum on performance and a celebration of progressive governance.”

He added that the victory reaffirmed APGA’s position as the true political identity of Igbos and the custodian of Anambra’s development aspirations.

Mr Opara thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring peace and fairness during the electoral process.

He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “a transparent and credible election that reflected the will of the people.”

“We equally recognise the professionalism and vigilance of the security agencies, whose presence and conduct guaranteed a peaceful and orderly exercise across the state,” Mr Opara said.

He, however, expressed sadness over the killing of Francis Ibe, the councillor of Owerre-Ezukala and APGA leader of Orumba South LGA, who was shot dead by gunmen shortly after casting his vote.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and call for the speedy arrest and prosecution of his killers,” he said.

Mr Opara thanked the people of Anambra for their courage, patience and participation in ensuring that democracy triumphed.

“You are the true winners of this election,” he said.

He also urged all candidates and political parties who participated in the election to accept Mr Soludo’s olive branch and join hands with him to consolidate peace and development in the state.

“Elections are moments of contest; nation-building is a continuous collective duty. The task ahead requires unity, maturity and shared purpose,” Mr Opara said.

He reaffirmed APGA’s commitment to providing leadership that would continue to build institutions, deepen democracy and expand economic opportunities for the people of the state.

“This victory marks a new chapter. Together, we shall build an Anambra that is liveable, prosperous, globally competitive and exemplary in governance,” Mr Opara added.

(NAN)