The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has congratulated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election victory in the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship poll, describing it as “historic and overwhelming.”
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka, by Dr Ejimofor Opara, National Publicity Secretary of APGA.
Opara said the victory reflected the people’s trust in Soludo’s leadership and commitment to building a liveable and prosperous homeland.
“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.
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.
Opara expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring peace and fairness during the electoral process.
He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting ‘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,” Opara said.
He, however, expressed sadness over the killing of Mr 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.
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 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,” 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,” Opara added. (NAN)