The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the just-concluded Anambra State governorship election, Mr. Jude Ezenwafor, has pledged to work with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to advance the development and unity of the state.
Speaking in Awka shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Soludo winner of the November 8 governorship poll, Ezenwafor congratulated the governor on his victory, urging him to run an inclusive government that embraces all political actors, irrespective of party affiliation.
“I will advise His Excellency, Governor Soludo, to run an inclusive government so that Anambra will be very safe and prosperous. The state belongs to all of us, and it is our collective duty to make it better,” Ezenwafor stated.
Ezenwafor, who polled 1,401 votes in the election, described the outcome as “a clear reflection of the people’s choice,” noting that his ambition was driven by the desire to serve and contribute to good governance, not personal gain. He stressed that he harbours no ill feelings about the result and would rather focus on supporting the Soludo administration for the peace and progress of Anambra State.
The PDP candidate also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he called a relatively peaceful and transparent election, despite reports of low voter turnout across many polling units.
On the issue of vote-buying, Ezenwafor admitted that financial inducement played a role in the process but insisted that his party did not engage in the practice.
“Almost five political parties engaged in vote-buying, but I did not buy votes. I believe the electorate should be free to choose their leaders without monetary influence,” he added.
Governor Soludo was declared winner of the governorship election after securing 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 99,445 votes.
Political observers have lauded Ezenwafor’s gesture as a show of sportsmanship and maturity, noting that his call for inclusiveness could help strengthen democratic unity and post-election reconciliation in the state.
They also urged Governor Soludo to heed the advice and extend an olive branch to opposition figures, particularly those with relevant experience and ideas that could contribute to security, infrastructure, and economic development in Anambra.
With a population of over six million people and about 2.7 million registered voters, Anambra remains a critical political and economic hub in the South-East. Many analysts believe that fostering a culture of political inclusion and collaboration will be essential to sustaining peace and accelerating progress in the state.