Polls: AAC Guber candidate declines congratulating Soludo’ for emerging winner in Anambra 

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the just concluded Anambra State governorship election, Chioma Ifemeludike, has declined congratulating governor Chukwuma Soludo for emerging winner.

She exressed appreciation to 292 voters who voted for her at the polls.

Ifemeludike also commended other supporters who encouraged her before, during, and after the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Governor Chukwuma Soludo winner of the election having polled 422,664 votes to defeat candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who scored 99,445.

Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Paul Chukwuma garnered 37,753 to come third, while the AAC candidate secured 292 votes to defeat five other candidates.

Speaking during a post-election press conference and “lunch time hangout with 292 voters”, Ifemeludike however declined congratulating winner of the poll, Governor Soludo.

According to her, congratulating the governor would amount to hypocrisy in view of the massive electoral irregularities, malpractices and electoral breaches that marred the exercise.

“I will not send a congratulatory message to anybody because the election was marred by massive irregularities and widespread vote-buying, and doing so will amount to accepting illegalities.

“I’ll be a hypocrite to comfortably send a congratulatory message to the governor. Even if my mouth says it, what does my heart say?

“What happened last Saturday was not an election; it was transactional politics on display, and we should not give credibility to such.

Ifemeludike added, “I didn’t run for the election because I was looking for fame, nor did I run because I was looking for a political appointment. 

“I am not interested in any political appointment; my conviction to achieve a better Anambra drove me to run for the election.

“I’m committed to building a long-term commitment to accountability, good governance, equity, and the empowerment of our people.

On her next political move, the AAC flagbearer said her next step would be determined after the forthcoming Congress of her party.

“There are lots to reflect on. We’ll consider the party interest, which I pledge my loyalty to. We’ll decide the next move during our next Congress where the new leadership will be elected.

“We don’t have any plans to go to court. If at all we’ll consider any legal action, we’re not going to initiate it. Besides, we don’t trust the legal system to deliver justice. It’s one thing to go to court, it’s another thing to get justice.

“We’re going to work with other organizations to demand justice and accountability. We will continue to engage stakeholders at the grassroots.

“The paradigm shift must start with revolutionalizing the mindsets of our people,” she added.

On reason for the event, Ifemeludike said, “This is to thank the 292 people who voted for me during the governorship election. Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude. 

“This is not just a gathering. It is a testimony of courage, resilience, and the power of people who believe in a better Anambra.

“To my gallant 292 voters, your love, votes, and support during this Anambra election touched me deeply. I am proud of everyone who stood with me. The journey continues, and I am grateful to have you by my side.

“This election came with its challenges – challenges we have openly addressed, and I will continue to pursue them through the appropriate channels. 

“Our stand remains clear; we believe in transparent, free, and fair democratic processes, and we will not stop advocating for them.

“To the media, thank you for continually shining a light on issues that matter. We value your presence and your partnership in fostering open dialogue and protecting democratic space.

“Going forward, we will continue to engage with communities, advocate for citizens’ rights, and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. Together, we will keep shaping the future we believe in – one step at a time,” she added.

The event also featured distribution of relief materials to the needy within the state capital and environs by the AAC candidate through her foundation.