Action Alliance governorship candidate in Anambra State gubernatorial election, Ozo Jeff Nweke

 

Action Alliance governorship candidate in Anambra State gubernatorial election, Ozo Jeff Nweke

BY NKIRU NWAGBO.

The candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has called on his fellow contestants to accept the outcome of the poll in good faith, noting that the people of Anambra have spoken decisively through the ballot.

Nweke made the call in a congratulatory message to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who was declared winner of the 2025 Anambra governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday morning.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Nweke described the election as peaceful, credible, and a true reflection of the people’s will.

He commended Anambra voters for their maturity, discipline, and commitment to democracy, noting that the process demonstrated the political awareness of the electorate.

“The people of Anambra State have spoken, and they have spoken rightly,” “The election went well, and one must commend the civility of our people. They voted freely and exercised their franchise without intimidation. That, for me, is the beauty of democracy.”he added.

Nweke acknowledged reports of vote-buying in some areas but insisted that, in his experience, voters still made independent choices.

“In my polling unit, I did not witness any form of vote-buying. Even if it occurred elsewhere, I do not believe anyone was coerced into voting against their conscience. The result, in my view, reflects the true wishes of the people,” he added.

The AA candidate revealed that he had already sent a personal message to Governor Soludo congratulating him on his victory.

He also expressed confidence in Soludo’s leadership, urging him to run an inclusive government that accommodates diverse political interests and fosters development across all parts of the state.

“Governor Soludo has promised to make his administration more inclusive this time. I take him by his word and urge him to continue serving the people diligently. My wish is for him to succeed because when the government succeeds, Anambra succeeds,” Nweke stated.

Reacting to reports that some candidates were preparing to challenge the results in court, Nweke advised against litigation, describing it as a recurring and often unproductive trend in African politics.

“It has become a tradition in Africa that after every election, some people feel aggrieved and head to court. My question is: must it always be so? I contested in this same election, I witnessed the process, and I see no reason to go to court. Instead of wasting time on endless legal battles, let us join hands to move Anambra forward,” he said.

Nweke further appealed to all political actors to put the interest of the state above personal ambition, emphasizing that true leadership lies in cooperation and collective progress, not division or bitterness.

“The election is over. It is time for governance and development. I call on all candidates and their supporters to respect the will of the people and work together to build a better Anambra,” he said.