Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Saturday’s Anambra election, Ozo Japhet Nweke, has congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election, describing the poll as free, fair, and peaceful.
Addressing journalists in Awka on Monday, Nweke commended voters for their massive turnout and praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he called a “commendable and credible” election.
“The election has come and gone. So far, so good. One cannot but commend the way INEC carried it out. Anambra people have spoken, and so shall it be,” he said.
Nweke noted that the poll was devoid of molestation or intimidation, adding that the peaceful atmosphere reflected the political maturity of the electorate.
He dismissed suggestions of widespread irregularities and cautioned against the growing trend of candidates challenging election results in court.
“It has always been the case in Africa: an election is conducted, and one or two persons feel aggrieved and go to court. My question is, why? I witnessed the election and don’t think there is any reason for anyone to go to court,” he said.
While acknowledging reports of vote-buying, Nweke maintained that such incidents did not undermine the overall credibility of the election.
“I, Jeff Nweke, the governorship candidate of Action Alliance, extend my congratulatory message to Governor Soludo. The people have chosen him, and he now has their mandate,” he said.
Nweke urged Soludo to prioritize job creation as a means to tackle hunger and insecurity, stressing that unemployment remains the root cause of most social problems in the state.
“At the helm of Anambra’s problems is hunger, fueled by unemployment. I expect the governor, in his second tenure, to focus on massive employment, which will reduce crime,” he said.
He also lauded Soludo’s call for inclusive governance and expressed willingness to partner with the administration for the state’s development.
“I like that he has extended a hand of friendship to other contestants. People have chosen him, and I wish him the very best. May God protect him and give him more wisdom to serve Anambra people,” Nweke added.
