The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) has declared the recent by-elections in Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 Constituency as excellently conducted, citing professionalism by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won both seats with what ANSEC described as “decisive mandates,” securing over 64 percent of the votes.
Speaking after the Council’s 18th meeting at the Light House, Awka, Anambra Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said:
“ANSEC expressed satisfaction to the Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and all other security agencies for their professionalism and impartiality, which enabled the Anambra electorate to speak so loudly with their votes.”
Landslide Victories
Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu secured a commanding win in Anambra South with 90,408 votes, defeating the APC candidate who polled 19,812 votes. In Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Barrister Mimi Ifeoma Azikiwe triumphed with 7,774 votes, strengthening APGA’s legislative presence in the state assembly.
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, in a congratulatory message, praised the polls:
“The conduct of the elections was free and fair, and I commend the winners for their well-deserved victory.”
Political analysts see the wins as a reflection of Soludo’s popularity ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election, which some observers now describe as “a coronation.”
ANSEC Approves Strategic Projects for State Transformation
Beyond the elections, the council unveiled new contracts to deepen Soludo’s transformation agenda.
Key approvals included:
Solar backup power for ICT and security monitoring at the Light House.
Utilisation of UNICEF’s PHC Leadership Challenge Fund, allocating 30% to human resources, 50% to high-impact interventions, and 20% to discretionary projects.
Road projects, including Ugwuaku-Ibugughu-Osu-Umuchu Road (₦2.75bn), Amichi-Osumenyi Road (₦670m), and St. Stephen–Isiokwe Road (₦1bn).
Awka Shopping Mall commissioning, with 300 jobs already in recruitment phase.
Power project for Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), seen as pivotal to activating the state’s industrial park.
ANSEC also reinstated the historical name Abakaliki Street, previously renamed Club Road in 2018, citing its cultural and heritage significance.
Onitsha Mega Bus Terminal Gets Federal Nod
The Federal Government’s approval of the Onitsha Mega Bus Terminal for the South East was another highlight celebrated by ANSEC.
Mefor described it as a “game-changer” for regional transport, adding that the project was in line with Soludo’s broader reforms in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Governor Soludo’s administration has in recent years rolled out:
Free antenatal and delivery care for women.
Free education in public schools.
Upgrades to healthcare with five new hospitals and over 1,000 newly employed health professionals.
Telemedicine innovations and recognition as the most performing governor in primary healthcare nationwide.
Security interventions, including Operation Udo Ga-Achi.
Agricultural empowerment schemes to boost food security.
Anambra also ranked 4th in BudgIT’s State of States 2024 report for fiscal sustainability.
Unity and Vision in the Southeast
ANSEC emphasized Soludo’s vision for Southeast unity, noting his inclusive appointments of Igbos from other states into Anambra’s administration.
Mefor said this demonstrated “an exemplary spirit of brotherhood,” positioning the state as a unifying force in the region.