Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has congratulated Chief Emma Nwachukwu and Mrs Ifeoma Azikiwe, winners of Saturday’s by-elections in Anambra South Senatorial Zone and Onitsha North Constituency-I, respectively.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Monday by President, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu.
Official results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, showed that Nwachukwu polled a total of 90,408 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Azuka Okwuosa of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 19,812.
In Onitsha North Constituency-I, Azikiwe emerged winner with 7,774 votes to defeat Mrs. Justina Azuka of the African Democratic Congress, who scored 1,909 votes.
Okpalaezeukwu commended the electoral umpire for early deployment of personnel and materials to the various polling stations.
He said INEC ensured voters who turned out for the exercise were not disappointed.
He however, reminded the elected officials to serve the interest of the people and not their personal interest.
He urged them to rally forces with the Soludo’s administration to deepen grassroots development across the state.
“Ohanaeze is delighted to observe how credible, transparent and peaceful the by-elections were across the location.
“We were co-observers with a non-governmental organisation, Integrity Friends for Truth and Peace Initiative, accredited by the INEC for the exercise.
“We must commend the the state government and security agencies for the safe and secure environment.
“The safe milleu begot the most peaceful and credible by-election that is widely accepted by all stakeholders and may not be a subject of litigation.
“We believe that the peaceful conduct of the elections have gone a long way to restore people’s confidence in the ability of the INEC to conduct free, fair and credible elections in the country.
“This confidence will greatly impact voter turnout in subsequent elections in the state,” he said.
Okpalezeukwu reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting peaceful and credible elections in the state, under its watch.
“We will also ensure that elected public office holders discharge their duties prosecute responsibly, in line with the tenets of democracy and their oaths of office,” he added.
