Several prominent dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday arrived in Awka for the second-term inauguration of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo. The ceremony is taking place at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square.
Soludo, who was re-elected under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the November 8, 2025 off-cycle governorship election, is set to begin another four-year term in office.
Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, are among the high-profile guests expected at the event. Governors from across the country, traditional rulers from all 179 communities in Anambra State, and monarchs from other parts of Nigeria are also in attendance.
The ruling party, APGA, mobilised members from all 326 political wards across the state to participate in the ceremony, turning the event into a large political gathering.
Security has been significantly tightened across Awka and other parts of the state, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other agencies deployed to strategic locations to ensure a smooth and safe event.
Ahead of the inauguration, Soludo and his deputy concluded their first term with an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the International Convention Centre on Sunday. During the service, the governor expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra for entrusting him with a second term, pledging not to disappoint them.
Reflecting on his journey into politics, Soludo revealed that he had to persuade his wife, Nonye Soludo, and their children before venturing into public service. He said he made a firm promise to remain true to his values, adding that he would rather step down than compromise his integrity.
The governor also commended the people of Anambra for their overwhelming support during the last election, noting that they not only campaigned voluntarily but also contributed financially to his campaign. He described the outcome as historic, with over 70 per cent of the votes cast in his favour.
Reaffirming his commitment, Soludo promised to continue delivering the dividends of democracy and to justify the confidence reposed in his administration by the people of the state.
