By Chuks Eke
Following the declaration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo winner of last Saturday’s Anambra state Governorship election, Deputy Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Uche Ekwunife and the leading counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq have added their voices to the list of congratulating messages pouring out to Solude for his election victory.
Ekwunife in a contrary view to the reaction of her principal, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu who vehemently rejected the result of Soludo’s victory on Sunday, citing certain irregularities such as arresting and intimidating his supporters in various polling units across the state by some security operatives, said the election outcome may not be what she desired, but she is sincerely wishing Soludo success in leading Anambra to greater heights.
In her message released on Tuesday, titled: “Congratulations to Soludo and gratitude to my esteemed supporters”, duly signed by herself and made available to newsmen via WhatsApp, Ekwunife declared: “my dear Brothers, Sisters, Friends, Supporters, and Ndi Anambra, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of you who stood with us on this remarkable journey”.
According to Ekwunife, “Your unwavering support, voices, strength, time, and prayers have been the cornerstone of our campaign. I deeply appreciate our campaign team and all my supporters for standing firm and believing in our vision to serve Anambra with compassion, courage, and competence”.
She continued: “Though the election outcome may not have been what we desired, I am profoundly proud of the effort that Prince Dr. Nicholas Ukachukwu and I did put into this race. I am humbled by the outpouring of love and support we received that has written a victory of faith, unity, and hope, a victory that no ballot can erase”.
“To the young people who walked the streets, the mothers who prayed through the nights, and every individual who carried our dream in their hearts, I am deeply moved by your sacrifices. You have shown that politics can indeed be about people and purpose”.
“As we move forward, I urge everyone to support every effort directed towards the peace, progress and unity of our beloved Anambra State. The interest of our state must always come first”.
“I extend my warm congratulations to His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on his victory and re-election for a second term. I sincerely wish him success in leading Anambra to greater heights”.
“When Anambra succeeds, we all succeed. I therefore encourage all stakeholders to join hands to build a stronger, more prosperous state.
May God bless each of you abundantly for your faith, courage, and love. May He reward every sacrifice and strengthen your hearts for the days ahead. God bless Anambra State, God bless Nigeria,
With profound gratitude and enduring hope”.
In his own message titled: “congratulatory to on his long-predicted and well deserved re-election victory”, Ejiofor said: “I most heartily extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on his resounding and well-deserved reelection as the Executive Governor of Anambra State in the just concluded gubernatorial election”.
*This victory, though emphatic and overwhelming, came as no surprise to discerning observers of Anambra’s political landscape. It was a triumph long foretold, a success I had publicly predicted days before the poll. All empirical indicators and political permutations pointed unmistakably to the fact that Governor Soludo was, in truth, in a contest against himself”.
“While many may have speculated otherwise, the handwriting on the wall was crystal clear: his broad-based acceptance across the length and breadth of Anambra State, his grassroots engagement, and the visible imprints of his developmental strides spoke louder than any campaign slogan. Indeed, among all the contestants, none possessed the political capital, performance record, or people’s trust strong enough to alter the tide. What transpired at the polls was not merely an election, it was, in every sense, a coronation by the people of Anambra State, reaffirming their confidence in a visionary leader”.
“Governor Soludo’s reelection is, therefore, not only a personal victory but a collective triumph for Ndi Anambra, a renewed mandate for consolidation, continuity, and accelerated transformation. It affirms that leadership founded on intellect, courage, and integrity still resonates deeply with our people”.
“As he embarks on this second mandate, I urge His Excellency to remain magnanimous in victory. The season of campaign rhetoric is over; governance, in its purest form, must now take centre stage. The Governor must see himself as the leader of all, those who supported him and those who did not. The spirit of inclusiveness, tolerance, and visionary governance should continue to define his stewardship”.
“This victory should rekindle his avowed commitment to transform Anambra State into the real “Dubai of Africa”, as he has consistently envisioned. The people have renewed their faith in him; the task ahead is to translate that faith into greater prosperity, unity, and sustainable development for our dear state”.
*Once again, I most heartily congratulate Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on this well-earned and historic victory. May divine wisdom, strength, and foresight continue to guide him as he leads Anambra to greater heights. Congratulations, Your Excellency”.
