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By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has expressed profound gratitude to security stakeholders, community leaders, and residents of the state for their cooperation and support to the Police throughout the just-concluded Anambra governorship election period. CP Orutugu acknowledged that the peaceful atmosphere recorded across the state was made possible through the collective commitment of sister security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional rulers, youth groups, and other critical stakeholders who worked closely with the Police in sustaining the message of peace and promoting communal harmony before, during, and after the polls. He noted that such partnership greatly enhanced operational coordination and contributed immensely to the overall success of the Command’s election security plan, which ensured that voters exercised their franchise in a safe and secure environment. While commending officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience throughout the election period, the CP reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public order and protecting lives and property across the State. He further urged residents to continue to support the Police and other security agencies in consolidating the gains of peace achieved during the elections and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities capable of breaching the public peace. Recall that, few weeks before the Anambra governorship election, the CP embarked on a state-wide security advocacy tour across communities in the state, engaging with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious bodies, and market unions. The advocacy centered on the need for peace, voter confidence and community partnership in achieving a violence-free election. The Command, however, does not take this level of compliance for granted and encouraged residents to sustain the same spirit of unity, tolerance and mutual respect that strengthens our collective resolve to reject anything capable of dividing us as a people.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has promised to supply sanitary pads to girls in all Anambra schools, including schools of nursing, for one year. Mrs Soludo, who spoke in Awka, while distributing 10,000 sanitary pads donated by Nigeria's first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also used the occasion to launch pad banks in 300 secondary schools across the state. According to the governor's wife, the distribution of the pads is part of efforts to promote the dignity and confidence of girls during their menstrual cycles, adding that the programme was aimed at addressing menstrual challenges that hinder girls’ education. Mrs Soludo, who read Senator Tinubu's address at the well -atended ceremony said the 10,000 pads received by Anambra State, was part of the 370,000 disposable sanitary pads distributed to schoolgirls across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the first lady's Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The intervention, she added, involved the procurement of the customized sanitary pads at a total cost of N2,550,297,150 from a local manufacturer. She said: “This menstrual health intervention is designed to tackle the challenges girls face during their periods. Period often causes them to fall behind in school or drop out entirely. It is unacceptable that the girl-child, especially in rural communities, should continue to experience such barriers. At RHI, we believe that girls should never have to choose between their dignity and their education. This intervention is a step towards ensuring that. I therefore urge local government chairmen, who are closer to the communities, to take ownership of the programme and ensure that the pads reach the intended beneficiaries." While encouraging schoolgirls to use the pads responsibly, she advised them to be confident and not let stigma stand in the way of their educational goals. She informed the girls that "flowing" is not a death sentence, adding, "even if you are flowing, you should flow with confidence. "This programmme goes beyond supplying sanitary pads; it's empowering girls to be confident in themselves", Mrs Soludo said.

By Madu Obi The deputy governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just concluded Anambra election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the November 8 election. Ekwunife also expressed gratitude to her supporters for standing by her party during the electioneering period. "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", she said. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with her party on the remarkable journey, noting that their unwavering support, voices, strength, time, and prayers were the cornerstone of their campaign. She added: "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. 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."

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA, in the November 8 Anambra election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has described the election as free and fair, saying that the people have spoken an so shall it be. Addressing reporters in Awka, Nweke said there was no voter intimidation as people came out in large numbers to cast their votes freely. He, however, urged the winner, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to form an inclusive government and extend hands of fellowship to the other 15 contestants that vied for the governorship. Nweke said: "The election has come and gone and our people have spoken. And since they have spoken, so shall it be. So far so good, the election went well. Our people came out in large numbers and exercised their franchise. One special feature of the election is that Anambra people are now more matured in terms of upholding the tenets of democracy. There was no voter intimidation in the election, in as much as some people were complaining about vote buying. Indeed, the people were free to vote and it was a fair election as they cast their votes without any form of molestation or intimidation. I, Ozo Jeff Nweke, the candidate of Action Alliance, AA, in this election, hereby send a congratulatory message to the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo. I'm wishing the governor the very best and I want God to protect him and give him more wisdom in serving the people of Anambra State. I also want our people to continue to be law- abiding and accept that when people have spoken, they have spoken. The people have chosen him and he now has the people's mandate. It showed that the people still trust him and they want him to continue with the good work he is doing. I expect that in any area the people expect him to do more, he should do more." According to Nweke, there is nothing as good as inclusive governance which the governor has to address so as reaffirm that this time around, he would include everybody. "He should extend hands of partnership to every candidate that contested the election with him", he added. The AA candidate said although some people talked about vote buying, he did not notice any vote buying in his polling booth. He stated that he will not go to court to challenge the result of the election, adding that there is no reason for anybody to go to court about the outcome of this election. "The question is, why do people feel aggrieved and going to the extent of going to court? Such a thing shows that there is still something wrong with our democracy. Let us join hands together and support Governor Soludo", Nweke advised.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi President Bola Tinubu has been advised to utilize the opportunity of the American government's concern over the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, to free the country from terrorists that had held her down for years now. The General Superintendent (GS) of Assemblies of God (AG), Rev. Prof. Paul Emeka, who gave the advice cautioned Tinubu and federal government against politicising the issue further, but to see President Donald Trump's concern as God's way of bringing solution to a devastating problem that had defiled Nigerian governments' security network. Prof. Emeka who spoke to newsmen in Enugu at the end of the church's Annual National Revival Summit, Peniel 2025, with the theme:"Greater Tomorrow," at the weekend, said the continuous killing of Christians in Nigeria is something no one could honestly deny, hence Nigerian government should see America's concern as God's divine intervention to assist the country tackle the terrorism menace in the country. Advising the President to rather engage America for assistance than play politics, he said. "That is really the desire and advice of everybody who is genuine and who is honest. Now that Trump has shown interest, we like it. Positively, let Nigerian government enter into negotiation with America. Actually people are dying whether you call it Christians or pagans, people are dying come and help us. "America has the apparatus, America has the know-how to come and help us to stop it if we engage them positively, but if we don't engage, they have decided that they will come and it is a welcome development and everybody welcomes it. If anybody goes to newspaper and say Nigeria is a sovereign nation; that is for the newspaper, but anybody whose brother is killed will not say so. Our brothers are killed, people are dying." The cleric further said, "What we want to say is that it is a reality. Christians are being killed. They are killed in mass, they are killed in large numbers. In Jos, they are killed almost on daily basis, in Maiduguri and all over. I know that once in a while a Muslim dies; maybe a stray bullet gets him but the people that are targeted are Christians. Where you have up to 1000 casualties, 999 are Christian, so we do don't have to play lip service or politics with the lives of people. "America says they will intervene and everybody likes it, and why won't we like it. It's not a matter of whether Nigeria is a sovereign nation or not, it is a matter of, are Christians being killed? They are being killed and America feels concerned to come. Instead of playing politics with this and going to quote one law or the other and saying that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and nobody shall intervene. Or, do you mean since we are a sovereign nation nobody intervenes, we keep killing people . Selectively, we kill Christians and don't kill others. We can stop it, I believe that even Nigerian government can stop the killing if they want but they don't want, they play politics. "It's just like Kanu who is there, whose imprisonment and continuous detention is not necessary, no single reason that should make Kanu to be there. You can't be talking that Kanu is a terrorist or sponsored terrorism whereas you display an array of great terrorists on their machines brandishing their guns and everybody is seeing it and you leave this thousands of people who are killing people everyday and you target Kanu. "We are not fools, if Nigeria want peace let them do something. Let Tinubu rise up and do something , I do not know really what is holding him from acting, this thing can be solved if they mean business. If Nigeria is a sovereign nation, let Nigeria show her sovereignty by the way it will sovereignly stop this terrorists from going about the north and the South killing people." Speaking on the theme of the Peniel he said, "The theme of this year's Peniel is Greater Tomorrow. And the fact is that in the nation Nigeria when things look bleak , people don't have much hope for tomorrow. We still mention the fact that God is the God of tomorrow and God is the owner of Nigeria, He will not abandon the country , He will see us thorough. Let nobody loose hope, let's have our faith in God that he will make everything alright. In his message earlier at the Peniel, he talked about God supplying the needs of the people . Analysing the scripture he said " We mean that, that is supplied by God. The God of Paul is the God of heaven and that's why we say it's a divine supply. We also say that it is a comprehensive supply, because He said all our needs, He doesn't leave any need unsupplied be it big or small, social or physical, spiritual or otherwise and we also say it's inexhaustible because it is according to God's riches not the riches of the nation, it is according to the riches of God which is inexhaustible and so we have to trust Him. It is going to be glorious because when God gives us riches it will not decay that's why we seek all men in Nigeria to seek the riches that God gives."

By Madu Obi The Anambra State chairman of the Inter - Party Advisory Council, IPAC, and the candidate of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, in the just concluded Anambra gubernatorial election, Chief Uche Rewards Ugwoji, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the polls. In a message he signed on Monday, Ugwoji also congratulated his colleagues who contested the election for their conduct and urged them to accept the outcome of the poll. The statement read: "On behalf of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Anambra State, I congratulate His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election as Governor of Anambra State. "I also congratulate the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and the good people of Anambra State for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, which culminated in making the election free, fair and credible. I equally congratulate my fellow gubernatorial candidates for putting up good efforts and I urge you to calmly accept the outcome of the election, rally round and cooperate with the SOLUTION government of Anambra State in making the state an el-dorado."

By Madu Obi The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze has said that his prediction that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will win in the twenty one Local Government Areas of the state has come to pass, as APGA swept the polls, which he described as unprecedented. In his congratulatory message to Governor Soludo Udeze noted that the outcome of the governorship election was a clear testament to his good governance in the state and genuine demonstration of the people's unwavering support to his administration. The Speaker also commended the people of his constituency, Ogbaru Local Government Area, for recording a resounding victory in the election in appreciation of Governor Soludo's development achievements in the area, assuring the governor that they will give him more support in his second term. He called on other governorship candidates who contested the election with Governor Soludo to see his reelection as divine providence and the collective wish of Anambra people He prayed God to provide the governor with the enablement to continue to pilot the affairs of the state creditably for the peace and overall development of the people.He prayed God to provide the g0overnor with the enablement to continue to pilot the affairs of the state creditably for the peace and overall development of the people.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the just concluded Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has said that he would consult his supporters and the leadership of his party before deciding on his next move. Addressing reporters in Awka, Ukachukwu said the over 90,000 people who voted for him without inducement must be carried along in whatever decision he would make. He commended them for standing by him during the difficult situation, adding that he would only talk when the time is ripe. According to him, considering the how APC was in Anambra State before he went into the election, he is happy that today, nobody will say that there is no APC in Anambra State. He said: "From the beginning of the primary election to where we are today, we give God all the glory. The election has come and gone and I thank my supporters and all those that one way or the other, made sacrifices to get us to where we are today. They are all gallant soldiers.who were dedicated to our cause "As for our next move, we are still collecting data and reports about the election. I have to meet with the party agents to tell us what happened in their areas before deciding on our next line of action. I also have to consult our party to advise us on how to approach the issue. So, I can't say what we will do until we make these consultations. We will talk when the time is ripe, but for Anambra State, something good has happened because someone who is not an incumbent scored over 99,000 votes. Whatever decision we will take will affect those people who voted for us and it is therefore a decision we will not take in a hurry. They voted for me not minding that they are not in government.and in the midst of this, they must know what we want to do. I have to know their thinking and hear what they want to say. I will follow what they say and do what they want us to do because they stood for the party" He said that his party could not have been involved in vote buying as alleged, adding, "APC which is not the party in government in the state, has money to buy votes.

By Madu Obi Reelected Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has described the November 8 election as the best organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the state. Speaking at his country home at Isuofia, after being declared the winner by the returning officer and Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, Soludo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a true democrat, who has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring a free and fair election in Anambra and Nigeria. The result announced by INEC showed that Soludo polled 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, APC,who scored 99,445 votes. Commending Anambra people for renewing his mandate, Soludo said: “The people have spoken, and their votes counted. I thank INEC, especially the new chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan. I’m excited that your first impression was an emphatic one, as INEC delivered. “Since 2017, when INEC started experimenting with technology, every election in Anambra has been getting better and better. This is the best election INEC has organized in Anambra so far." He commended INEC’s ICT department for ensuring transparency through the real-time upload of results on the IReV portal. “As at midnight, over 99 per cent of results from polling units were uploaded on the IReV portal and everybody could download the results in real-time,” he said. The governor also congratulated his fellow contestants, saying politics in Anambra should remain a contest of ideas, not enmity. “Sixteen of us were on the ballot, and obviously, one person will win. In the Anambra way, we fight like there will be no tomorrow, but afterward, we meet and celebrate. I extend a hand of fellowship to all of you, as I’m prepared to work with everyone for the greater good of our dear state. This victory is for the people of Anambra. Four years ago, when BVAS was first used, we had a low voter turnout and you elected us with 112,000 votes. This time, you spoke loudly. For the first time in our history, voter participation broke the 20 per cent ceiling as 22 per cent of registered voters came out and you re-elected us with 73 per cent of total votes. I’m humbled by this show of solidarity. We applied for the job, you employed us and with this renewed trust and partnership, we will move into high gear to deliver more for the good of Anambra. Now that the people have spoken, let’s get to work, you ain’t seen anything yet,” he said. The governor dedicated his victory to the people of Anambra, describing it as a historic mandate

By Madu Obi A member of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, who is the leader of Orumba South local government area was feared dead on Saturday during the governorship election. Details of the incident were not known, but a prominent politician in Orumba South, who confirmed it, said the late local government lawmaker hailed from Owere Ezukala. Also, a member of the National Youth Service Corps,NYSC, who served as a presiding officer at Ihiala was allegedly molested by agrieved voters who felt he was trying to manipulate the voting process. ‎ Generally, the election was peaceful in most areas. However, Ogbaru, Njikoka and parts of Awka North recorded logistics problems. Minor issues were also reported at Kwata Junction in Awka because of the late arrival of election materials. Few units did not have security operatives, but it did not stop the polls as the people conducted themselves well. At a polling unit near Eke Awka market, only 4 voters were accredited as at 10am because most of the people who registered there reside far from the market. At Njikoka local government area, there were complaints of vote buying, but I did not see them, apparently because the actors hid themselves on sighting media people and observers. In Nkwele Ezunaka, Oyi LGA, there were also reports of vote buying. In one unit at Ogbaru, INEC officials reported without being accompanied by security officials. At Anambra East, some people alleged that there were attempts to induce security officials, although the operatives themselves denied it.

By Madu Obi The consistent low participation of women in politics is worrying the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, which attributed the situation to unfavourable competitive environment. Releasing its analysis of the pre-election environment in Awka on Friday, the organization observed that political parties in Anambra have continued to prioritize male aspirants, especially for high-stakes positions, like governor. In this year's election, there are only two female governorship candidates out of 16, although some of the political parties chose women as running mates. The project coordinator of Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Vaneza Gregory, who presented the report lamented that women are mostly confined to supporting or deputy roles, with only six female deputy governorship candidates and two female governorship candidates among 16 parties. According to her, female aspirants face persistent gender stereotypes questioning their competence and family roles, arguing that such narratives frame politics as incompatible with women’s domestic responsibilities, undermining their credibility and discouraging participation She said: "Women in politics encounter targeted intimidation—from cyber bullying and moral attacks on social media, to verbal abuse and exclusion from key meetings. These tactics silence women and increase personal and political risks. Although parties advertise discounts and voluntary quotas, they rarely translate into real opportunities. Major parties failed to field women as governorship candidates, leaving meaningful inclusion to smaller parties with limited visibility." She said that although women make up over half of registered voters, they remain severely underrepresented as aspirants and candidates, adding that party primaries continue to be a critical choke point, with few women aspirants and weak institutional support. She added: "Conversion from participation to winning office remains minimal; women occupy only 3.33% of seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly. - The four dominant parties exhibit limited commitment to gender inclusion, compared to smaller parties that have shown more openness. While some progress is seen in the appointment of female running mates, such gestures do not substitute for top-tier political access. Subnational representation of women remains alarmingly low, reflecting systemic barriers throughout the political pipeline. Despite underrepresentation in elective office, women remain more visible in the civil service and appointive roles". She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to enforce gender-sensitive electoral guidelines for inclusive primaries and nominations, as well as publish gender-disaggregated data on party primaries, registration, turnout, and candidacy. "The 2025 Anambra governorship election represents more than a ballot—it is a litmus test of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive democracy. Without deliberate action, women risk continued exclusion from spaces of power." However, with bold advocacy, informed voter engagement, and genuine institutional reform, Anambra can set a new standard for inclusive governance. Political parties must open the doors, the media must amplify women’s voices, and institutions must translate rhetoric into action. "If these shifts take root, Anambra can lead the way—proving that women are not just voters, but leaders shaping the future of democracy in Nigeria", Gregory stated.

By Madu Obi Attention has shifted to the 5,845 polling units across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, as 15 governorship candidates challenge the incumbent governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo at the polls. Following Anambra government's declaration of Friday a work-free day for civil servants ahead of the governorship election, there has been massive movement to the hinterland by those who registered to vote in their communities, especially as movement has been restricted on Saturday. The state Head of Service, Mrs Theodora Igwegbe, had said in a statement that the work-free day was approved by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to enable civil servants to travel to their respective locations where they registered to participate in the election. She said that apart from encouraging the state workforce to participate effectively in the electoral process, it would enable civil servants to participate in the electoral process and contribute to good governance and democracy. Already, all political appointees, permanent secretaries, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies were directed to coordinate their staff to ensure full compliance. In another statement, the Anambra State government called on all eligible voters across the state to actively participate in the gubernatorial election. Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor said government emphasized that full voter participation is a fundamental expression of civic responsibility and a vital demonstration of commitment to democratic governance. "Active participation in this election is particularly important to reverse the low voter turnout recorded during the 2021 governorship election, when only about 200,000 of the over 2.7 million registered voters exercised their franchise. "As the Light of the Nation, Anambra has consistently taken the lead. Ndi Anambra should therefore, once again lead by example by turning out in large numbers to vote peacefully and responsibly," Mefor said. Meanwhile, election observers have scored Anambra State and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, high on the preparation for the polls. The coordinator Grassroot Development Centre for Peace and Social Justice, Augustine Okafor, and the chairman, Initiative for Promotion and Civic Obligation for Sustainable Peace, Sarki Danjuma, who spoke in Awka, said over 350 observers were deployed across the 21 local government areas of the state, to observe the level of preparedness of all the key actors in the electoral system. The groups said they were satisfied with the readiness of all the stakeholders involved in the election, adding that they would not only monitor the conduct of the election, but would also observe the conduct of the people after the election. The coalition commended the timely distribution of non-sensitive electoral materials by the INEC, noting that the transparency with which the exercise was conducted showed their readiness to conduct free, fair and credible exercise. It also appreciated the security agencies in the state, as well as the state government, for intensifying efforts to reclaim areas that were hitherto under the control of criminals, applauding the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and other heads of security under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), for the deployment of over 60,000 security personnel across the State to ensure adequate security for the election. Part of the coalition's statement read: "Political actors should respect the peace accord and maintain issue-based engagement. They must demonstrate maturity, tolerance, and discipline throughout the process. Any form of violence, hate speech, should not be tolerated, and severe sanctions should be melted out to violators. “Security agencies should provide robust protection for voters, election officials, and materials and should also ensure strict enforcement of movement restrictions on Election Day. We call on security agencies to conduct clearance operations in the identified flashpoints and maintain robust presence in these areas to neutralize threats and apprehend potential troublemakers to forestall any security breach." The political environment in Anambra State remains largely peaceful and conducive for credible, free, and fair election.Our observers have reported no significant incident of political thuggery or violence during campaign activities. There is level playing field, and the insistence by INEC and the security agencies against the ‘use of incumbency power to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate,’ as prohibited by the constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022, is enhancing voter confidence and discouraging voter apathy". The coalition urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to fight against vote-buying, which, it noted, undermines democracy and erodes public confidence in the process. “The principle of One Man, One Vote should be adhered to: We the Coalition of INEC Accredited Observer Groups for Credible and Transparent Elections stand firmly for the principle of "one man, one vote" as enshrined in Section 53(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which states that "no voter shall vote for more than one candidate or record more than one vote. We vehemently oppose any attempts to undermine this fundamental democratic Principle of our nation.”, the coalition said.