Independent National Electoral Commission is set to present the Certificates of Returns to Prof. Charles Soludo, governor-elect in the Saturday governorship election in Anambra State, including the deputy governor elect.
INEC in a statement on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq, indicated that “following the conclusion of the election and as provided for in Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), Certificates of Return will be presented to the Governor-elect and Deputy Governor-elect tomorrow Friday, 12th November 2021 at our State office in Awka.”
The commission further stated that the 2021 Anambra State Governorship election was conducted under the most challenging circumstances. “Never before did the Commission have to grapple with numerous issues ahead of an off-season Governorship election, including attacks on our facilities, withdrawals of critical service providers such as the ad hoc staff and transporters on the eve of the election and the general tension pervading the atmosphere. Happily, the election passed off peacefully,” INEC highlighted.
The Commission, however, expressed its gratitude to the security agencies, election duty officials, political parties and candidates, the National Peace Committee under the leadership of the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, religious and community leaders, socio-cultural associations, civil society organisations and the media for the enormous sacrifice and support in ensuring that the election was conducted and peacefully concluded.
“We look forward to the support of all Nigerians in the forthcoming elections. We will continue to work hard to protect the sanctity of the ballot and to conduct free, fair, and credible elections anywhere in Nigeria.
“We remain resolute that only the votes cast by citizens at polling units will determine the outcome of elections,” INEC declared.