By Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

ONITSHA — Following the declaration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as the winner of last Saturday’s Anambra State governorship election, Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Uche Ekwunife, and leading counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, have congratulated Soludo on his re-election.

Ekwunife, in contrast to the reaction of her principal, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who rejected the election result citing alleged irregularities, expressed her support for Soludo and wished him success in leading Anambra to greater heights.

In a statement released on Tuesday titled “Congratulations to Soludo and Gratitude to My Esteemed Supporters”, Ekwunife said:

“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 put into this race. I extend my warm congratulations to His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma 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.”

She thanked her supporters for their unwavering commitment and urged all stakeholders to work towards the peace, progress, and unity of Anambra State.

Similarly, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a message titled “Congratulatory on His Long-Predicted and Well-Deserved Re-election Victory”, described Soludo’s victory as a predictable outcome for the discerning observer, highlighting the governor’s broad acceptance and developmental record.

“Governor Soludo’s reelection is not only a personal victory but a collective triumph for Ndi Anambra, a renewed mandate for consolidation, continuity, and accelerated transformation. Leadership founded on intellect, courage, and integrity still resonates deeply with our people,” Ejiofor said.

He urged the governor to remain inclusive in his governance, emphasizing that the period of campaign rhetoric is over and that visionary leadership must now guide the state. Ejiofor also called on Soludo to continue his commitment to transforming Anambra into the “Dubai of Africa.”

“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,” he added.

The congratulatory messages reflect a growing consensus among stakeholders and observers on the legitimacy of Soludo’s victory and the need for unity and constructive engagement in the state.