PDP Candidate Ezenwafor Congratulates Soludo, Calls for Inclusive Governance After Anambra Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the recently concluded Anambra governorship election, Jude Ezenwafor, has pledged to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, urging the re-elected governor to embrace inclusivity and intensify efforts to address the state’s security challenges.

Speaking during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, Ezenwafor revealed he has maintained a cordial relationship with Soludo for years and played an influential role in encouraging the former Central Bank governor to contest the governorship in the first place.

“I can assist him. I have been assisting him before; he is my friend. I brought him to work in Anambra,” he said, adding that he worked closely with Soludo while serving as Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Willie Obiano.

He further stated that he persuaded Soludo to join the race years earlier, describing him as competent and committed, although “not perfect.”

Calls for improved security and inclusive leadership

Ezenwafor commended Soludo’s security efforts so far but urged the governor to invest in better security equipment to combat criminal activity. He encouraged the governor to involve opposition voices in decision-making to ensure unity and progress in the state.

“We have competent security chiefs in Anambra. What they need is better equipment. I believe he will do more,” he said.
“I advise Governor Soludo to run an inclusive government so that Anambra will be very safe and prosperous.”

Ezenwafor confirmed that he has already congratulated Soludo on his victory but insisted he would speak up if the administration fails to deliver.

Disputes over vote-buying allegations

Addressing allegations of vote-buying during the election, Ezenwafor dismissed the claims as exaggerated and accused several parties of engaging in the practice.

“Almost five political parties engaged in vote-buying. If you remove the five, you will find me. I did not buy votes,” he stated.

He also alleged that some PDP officials worked against him and diverted party agents to support rival parties.

“I was not a placeholder”

Ezenwafor rejected claims that he contested just to fill space or lend legitimacy to the process, insisting that he invested heavily in his campaign and had every intention to win.

“Nobody will throw away over ₦80 million for a ticket just to be a figurehead. I had the intention to run,” he said.

He recounted that he had built a support structure called the Organic Millionaires Club, whose members pledged votes toward his candidacy. He linked his low electoral performance to what he described as political sabotage and an assassination attempt.

“I was shocked when there was an attempt on my life. I was hospitalised for almost three months,” he said, maintaining that the attack destabilised his campaign.

Election results

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) the winner of the November 8 poll.
According to the result announced by the Returning Officer, Professor Omoregie Edoba:

• Soludo (APGA): 422,664 votes

• Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC): 99,445 votes

• Paul Chukwuma (YPP): 37,753 votes

• George Moghalu (Labour Party): 10,576 votes

• John Nwosu (ADC): 8,208 votes

• Jude Ezenwafor (PDP): 1,401 votes

INEC reported that 598,229 voters were accredited out of 2,788,864 registered voters. A total of 584,054 votes were valid, while 11,244 ballots were rejected.

Despite the setback, Ezenwafor expressed hope for the future, saying he remains committed to contributing to Anambra’s development, with or without political office.