Senator Uche Ekwunife, the representative of Anambra central Senatorial district and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Campaign Organization for Valentine Ozigbo, has asked the new Governor-elect and the Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), at the just-concluded gubernatorial election in Anambra state, Professor Charles Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and waste no time to assemble competent team of men and women that will tackle the numerous challenges facing the state.
In a statement forwarded to DAILY POST on Wednesday night, Senator Ekwunife, commended the people of Anambra for conquering fears and fully participating in the electoral process.
The federal lawmaker congratulated Soludo on his victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission at the concluded poll.
Ekwunife also specifically congratulated the candidate of her party, Valentine Ozigbo for demonstrating spirit of good sportsmanship and doggedness and commitment to democracy.
She further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for their innovation and introduction of THE BVAS technology which no doubt helped in strengthening the creditability of the electoral process.
Ekwunife equally commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the outgoing Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano, for their efforts in ensuring that all political parties were given a level playing ground.
According to her, “I hope that this election has marked a departure from the days of intimidation and harassment of those in opposition. The outcome of the election has shown that power belongs to the people.
The PDP Senator commended the security agencies for sustaining peace during the election and ensuring that the people of Anambra exercised their civic rights.
Parts of the statement read, “In every democratic contest, there must be a winner and God, through the good people of Anambra State has chosen Prof. Soludo to lead the state. As responsible citizens and lovers of democracy, we must accept the wishes of our people as expressed on Saturday, November 6th and Tuesday, November 9th governorship polls.
“It has to be said that this election was one of the most challenging for Ndi Anambra, our democratic existence was threatened by myriads of challenges. Leading to the election, the insecurity and killings witnessed across the state casted a dark shadow on the governorship campaign process. However, in the end, Anambrarians triumphed and came out, across the 326 wards in the state to cast their votes in what can be adjudged as one of the most peaceful elections in Nigeria in recent times.
“Though the electoral process as witnessed across the 21 LGAs in the state gave our people the opportunity to choose their governor, it is sad to observe that cases of vote-buying characterized the poll, casting a dent on the electoral process. As we continue to develop as a nation, I hope that we make a departure from this ugly development and get our people to see the need to vote according to their conscience – without financial inducement”.
Daily reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Returning Officer, Professor Florence Obi had early Wednesday morning declared Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) winner of the November 6 Governorship election.
