By Clifford Ejenavi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the flag bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the winner of the governorship election held on Saturday 8th November, 2025.
He secured 422,664 votes, against his closest rival Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who got 99,445 votes. INEC reported a total of 2,788,864 registered voters in the state, 598,229 accredited, with 595,298 votes cast, of which 584,054 were valid and 11,244 rejected.
Prof. Soludo won in all 21 local government areas (LGAs) of Anambra State, thereby satisfying the constitutional requirement (winning the highest votes and in at least two-thirds of LGAs).
This marks Soludo’s second consecutive term as Governor, extending his mandate until presumably 2029 (or the constitutional period).
Observers noted that his win consolidates APGA’s dominance in the state. Voter turnout was relatively low, estimated by one monitoring group (Yiaga Africa) at about 20.28% to 22.92%. Winning all the LGAs gave him a clear geographic sweep, as this is unusual but strengthens legitimacy.
Though turnout was low, the opposition vote was well behind; the margin was large. The election was described by Soludo as one of the best conducted in the state since technological systems were introduced. He also thanked national actors for ensuring a credible process.
However, some observers reported irregularities such as vote-buying, machine (BVAS) malfunction, logistic delays in certain polling units.
Following his reelection as Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo faces renewed expectations from residents eager for accelerated development and deeper reforms across sectors.
Across the state, Anambrarians have expressed optimism that the Governor’s reelection will consolidate the gains of his first term while addressing persisting challenges in infrastructure, security and youth empowerment.
Many citizens expect the Soludo administration to intensify road construction and rehabilitation projects, especially in rural communities, and to sustain the “Soludo Solution” agenda that emphasizes a liveable and prosperous homeland. Stakeholders in education and healthcare are also calling for more funding, improved school facilities and accessible healthcare for all.
Business owners and traders, particularly in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka, want the government to strengthen policies that promote ease of doing business and curb multiple taxation. Youths, on the other hand, are urging the Governor to create more employment opportunities and vocational programmes that reduce the rate of unemployment and migration.
Political observers note that Soludo’s second term presents an opportunity to deepen his legacy of good governance, digital transformation and economic diversification. With expectations running high, residents are hopeful that the Governor will translate his promises into visible progress across all local government areas.
As one Awka-based resident, Mrs. Ifeoma Udeh, put it, “We voted for continuity and stability. Now we want to see more action in building roads, supporting local industries and ensuring security in our communities.”
