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Video: Wike, Military Officer In Heated Dispute Over Alleged Land Grabbing

Nigeria

Olaosun Rebecca

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November 12, 2025

Video: Wike, Military Officer In Heated Dispute Over Alleged Land Grabbing

Tensions flared on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over a suspected land-grabbing case in Abuja’s Gaduwa District.

The confrontation escalated after soldiers blocked Wike and his entourage from accessing a piece of land in the Gaduwa area, leading to a heated exchange with officials of the capital territory.

“This is unprofessional. You cannot be threatening a minister like this,” one of Wike’s aides told the armed soldiers as the minister and his team attempted to access the land.

The minister, visibly displeased with the situation, challenged the military officers’ actions, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

Wike also raised concerns over the land’s development, alleging that proper procedures were not followed.

“You have no document,” the FCT minister stated during the standoff on Tuesday, but the soldiers held their ground, insisting they were acting on orders. “We cannot continue to act in impunity. We cannot continue this way. This country cannot go along this line.

“You cannot be higher than any government. You cannot be carrying a gun to intimidate anybody. I am not one of those that they can intimidate,” he added.

Following a tense exchange with the military officers, Wike accused them of acting with impunity, pointing out that there is no legal record within the FCTA assigning the land to them.

He pledged that such actions would not be tolerated under his administration.

“It’s really unfortunate. And you heard what was said by the former Chief of Staff,” Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, said.

“I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position, seeing that he has a problem, cannot approach my office to say, ‘Look, this is what’s going on,’ or simply because he is a military man, they could use that to intimidate Nigerians.

“I’m not one of those kinds of people who will succumb to blackmail.”

Despite the minister’s warning, the military officers insisted they would not leave the land, stating they were acting on directives from a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo.

Atalanta Sack Ivan Jurić After Five Months

Sports

Tosin Onisuuru

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November 12, 2025

1

Atalanta Sack Ivan Jurić After Five Months

Atalanta have dismissed head coach Ivan Jurić just five months into his tenure, following a disappointing run of results and reports of growing unrest within the squad. The decision was confirmed on November 10, 2025, shortly after a 3–0 home defeat to Sassuolo that left the Bergamo club languishing in mid-table.

Jurić, who took over from long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini in the summer, managed only two wins in Atalanta’s first eleven Serie A matches. The team’s performances were marked by inconsistency and a lack of clear identity, as they slipped to 13th place in the league standings. The heavy loss to Sassuolo — where Domenico Berardi starred for the visitors — appeared to be the final straw for the club’s hierarchy.

Sources close to Atalanta revealed that the decision was not solely based on results. Tensions between Jurić and some players had reportedly been building in recent weeks, culminating in a touchline confrontation with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the club’s Champions League fixture against Marseille.

Television cameras captured the heated exchange, during which Jurić appeared to grab Lookman’s arm after substituting him. The footage quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread debate about the coach’s handling of players and internal team relations.

The situation escalated further when Lookman subsequently deleted Atalanta-related posts and unfollowed the club on his social media accounts — a move seen by fans as a sign of a deeper rift. What might have remained an internal issue instead turned into a public spectacle, adding pressure on the already embattled manager.

By the time of his dismissal, relations between Jurić, the squad, and the supporters had reportedly deteriorated beyond repair. Club executives opted to act swiftly in an attempt to stabilise the team before the season slipped further off course.

Atalanta are expected to announce a new manager soon, with several names already being considered to lead the club’s bid to regain its competitive edge.

For Jurić, the dismissal adds to a string of short-lived managerial spells in both Italy and abroad. His exit highlights the growing pressures of modern football, where results, dressing-room harmony, and media perception all play decisive roles in a coach’s survival.

As Atalanta move forward, attention now turns to how the club will rebuild morale and restore unity within the squad — particularly with key players like Lookman at the centre of recent controversies.

While poor performances ultimately sealed Jurić’s fate, the off-field tensions ensured his departure became one of the most talked-about managerial exits of the Serie A season.

Atlético Madrid’s US takeover Sparks Debate Over Club Identity

Sports

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

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November 12, 2025

2

Atlético Madrid’s US takeover Sparks Debate Over Club Identity

Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid has agreed to a major deal under which Apollo Global Management, via its $5 billion sports investment vehicle, Apollo Sports Capital, will acquire a majority stake in the club early in 2026. The deal values Atlético at approximately €2 billion to €2.5 billion, including debt, making it one of the largest private-equity investments in European sport to date.

Despite the ownership shift, long-time club figures such as CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Chairman Enrique Cerezo will retain roles—an arrangement designed to provide continuity with Atlético’s culture and operations. The move is said to support the club’s ambition of developing its new “Ciudad del Deporte” complex and boosting global sporting performance.

However, the announcement has already triggered controversy among fans and local stakeholders. Critics argue that bringing in large US investment could threaten the club’s Spanish identity and democratic governance traditions. Some sections of the fanbase fear a repeat of “foreign takeovers” found elsewhere in football, where commercial interests supersede sporting heritage. Others point to a possible dilution of local influence as boardroom power shifts.

From a sporting perspective, Atlético’s recent run — consistent Champions League qualification and strong La Liga finishes — makes them an attractive target. The club’s revenue in 2024 reportedly reached €410 million, with major sponsors including Nike, Riyadh Air, and Kraken. The influx of capital is intended to fund both infrastructure and squad investment.

For Apollo, the deal marks its first major club purchase in football. The firm sees an opportunity to capitalise on media rights growth, global fan-engagement and commercial expansion. But the timing comes at a politically sensitive moment: with Spanish football grappling with questions of ownership, fan governance and league revenue sharing, Atlético’s move is likely to reignite debates over the “soul” of a club in the modern era.

WAEC 2026 Plan: What You Should Know About The New Added Subjects‎

Education

Olaosun Rebecca

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November 12, 2025

18

‎For students preparing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), there’s big news you need to understand.

The Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have introduced a new curriculum aimed at helping Nigerian students become more skilled in technology and entrepreneurship.
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‎However, the sudden talk that these changes might affect current SS3 students has caused confusion and fear in many schools.
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‎Below is a breakdown of what’s new, the government’s and WACE official statements.

‎New Subjects Added

‎‎Under the new WAEC curriculum, students will now take between seven and nine subjects designed to build both academic and practical skills.
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‎Core subjects include:

‎•English Language
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‎•General Mathematics
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‎•Digital Technologies: A new subject focused on essential computer skills, basic coding, data handling, and online safety.
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‎•Citizenship and Heritage Studies: A revamped version of Civic Education that emphasizes Nigerian history, cultural values, and civic responsibilities.
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‎•One Trade Subject (Mandatory): Every student must choose at least one practical skill area from options such as Livestock Farming, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Beauty and Cosmetology, Fashion Design and Garment Making, Horticulture and Crop Production, or Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance.
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‎The updated system shifts learning away from theory toward hands-on, job-ready skills to better prepare students for life after school, entrepreneurship, or further education.
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‎For Science Students

‎Science students can still take subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. But the new system gives them more freedom to add other subjects that were not allowed before.
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‎They can now take subjects like Economics or Geography along with their science subjects.

‎The new trade subjects, like Solar Installation and Computer Hardware Repairs, are also very useful for engineering and technology careers.
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‎Digital Technologies will help science students prepare for future courses in data science, software development, and other tech fields.
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‎For Commercial Students

‎Commercial students will still study subjects like Financial Accounting, Commerce, and Economics.
‎However, the focus is now on entrepreneurship and digital business skills.
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‎Some schools have replaced Government with Marketing to match the new business-focused system.
‎Digital Technologies will also help students who want to go into e-commerce, fintech, and online business.
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‎They can also choose a science subject, such as Geography if it fits their future plans.
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‎For Arts Students

‎Arts students, now often called Humanities students, will continue with Literature in English, Government, and Christian or Islamic Religious Studies.
‎One major change is the return of History as a full subject.
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‎They also have more freedom to include subjects like Economics or Geography, allowing them to prepare for courses such as Law, International Relations, or Journalism.

‎‎‎Reactions from Parents, Students, and Teachers

‎Some schools announced that the new subjects might apply to current SS3 students writing the 2026 WASSCE, and many people panicked.
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‎Parents were upset that their children were being asked to register for subjects they had never been taught. For example, students who had studied Government since SS1 were told to register for Marketing instead.
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‎Teachers also complained that they have not been trained or given new textbooks to teach the new subjects.
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‎The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) called the situation “chaos” and asked the government to delay the new curriculum for SS2 and SS3 students.
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‎Government’s Response

‎The Federal Ministry of Education said the new curriculum is meant to start gradually, beginning with SS1 students in the 2025/2026 school year.
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‎The Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said WAEC is in charge of implementing the exam changes, but this response led to confusion as both sides seemed to pass the blame.
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WAEC’s Response

‎WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, explained that WAEC does not make curriculum changes—it only tests whatever the government provides.
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‎She also said WAEC is planning a hybrid Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the 2026 exams, where objective questions will be done on a computer and essay or practical papers will still be on paper.
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‎Importantly, recent reports show that the full new curriculum may be delayed until 2028 for students already in SS3.
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‎What next

‎Students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE are advised to focus on the subjects they have been studying since SS1, as the full implementation of the new curriculum may be postponed until 2028.
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‎This means current SS3 students are expected to take exams based on the familiar syllabus.
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‎Education experts are urging students to concentrate on core subjects like English Language and General Mathematics, while continuing with their Science, Commercial, or Arts subjects.
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‎Students are also encouraged to practice using computers, as WAEC plans to include computer-based questions in the exam.
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‎Schools have been advised to clarify subject registration lists for their students to avoid confusion.
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‎Students and parents are further advised to rely only on official information published on the WAEC website and to disregard unverified messages.
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‎The focus remains on helping students stay prepared and confident as they approach the examination.

Suicide Attack In Islamabad Leaves 12 Dead

Global News

Ohiomoje Margaret

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November 11, 2025

0

Suicide Attack In Islamabad Leaves 12 Dead

A suicide bombing near a courthouse in Islamabad has claimed the lives of 12 people and wounded at least 27 others, according to the country’s interior minister.

“Mohsin Naqvi said a bomber was planning to attack the district courthouse – but was unable to get inside.”

Authorities have pledged to focus on identifying the perpetrator and ensuring that all those responsible face justice.

Suicide bombings have been uncommon in Islamabad in recent years. Footage captured on Tuesday showed a burnt-out car and a secured police perimeter around the site.

The 27 injured victims are receiving medical care, Naqvi said.

He noted that the attacker had waited for around 15 minutes before detonating the explosive near a police vehicle.

Videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising from a charred car behind security barriers. The blast occurred at 12:39 local time (07:39 GMT).

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed that he “strongly condemned the suicide blast.”

A lawyer, who was parking outside the court at the time, recounted hearing a “loud bang.”

Rustam Malik described the scene as “complete chaos.”

“Lawyers and people were running inside the complex,” he said. “I saw two dead bodies lying on the gate and several cars were on fire.”

The last suicide bombing in the capital occurred three years ago, resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to several others.

While suicide attacks have taken place elsewhere in the country since then, Islamabad had largely been spared.

Zuma’s Daughter Enters Plea Of Not Guilty Over Deadly South African Riots

Africa

Olaosun Rebecca

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November 11, 2025

2

Zuma’s Daughter Enters Plea Of Not Guilty Over Deadly South African Riots

‎On Monday, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of ex-South African President Jacob Zuma, entered a not-guilty plea to charges of provoking violence during the 2021 riots that claimed over 300 lives.
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‎The disturbances erupted in July 2021 following Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment for refusing a court order to appear at a corruption probe, quickly escalating into widespread looting and chaos.
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‎The economic toll from the riots has been calculated at 50 billion rand (equivalent to $2.9 billion at the current exchange rate).
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‎Zuma-Sambudla attended the Durban high court on the opening day of her trial related to the unrest.
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‎Prosecutors claim she encouraged others to engage in violent acts via her social media postings.
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‎Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s president from 2009 to 2018 and still commanding strong loyalty, was present in court to back his daughter, seated with members of his uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.
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‎MK played a significant role in disrupting the previous year’s national elections, helping cause a steep decline in backing for the African National Congress, the party Zuma once headed.

Nigeria Engages UK Over Transfer Of Ekweremadu To Serve Sentence In Nigeria

Nigeria

Tosin Onisuuru

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November 11, 2025

2

Nigeria Engages UK Over Transfer Of Ekweremadu To Serve Sentence In Nigeria

The Nigerian government is currently in discussions with the United Kingdom to secure the transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to complete his remaining jail sentence in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu dispatched a high-level delegation to engage with officials of the UK Ministry of Justice regarding the imprisoned senator’s case.

Ike Ekweremadu was convicted in the UK for organ trafficking after allegedly attempting to bring a 21‑year-old Lagos street vendor to Britain to donate a kidney for his daughter, Sonia.

In May 2023, he was sentenced to nine years and eight months under the UK Modern Slavery Act and remains in prison, while his wife, Beatrice, was sentenced to four years and six months and was released early in 2025. A medical intermediary, Dr Obinna Obeta, received a ten-year sentence.

The case triggered diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and the UK, exposed regulatory gaps in organ transplants, and prompted new investigations in Britain. While Ekweremadu’s family claimed his daughter’s kidney disease motivated the desperate act, the courts emphasized that informed consent and ethical procedures were disregarded.

Confirming the Nigerian government’s move, Alkasim AbdulKadir, spokesman for Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, told our correspondent: “Consultations still ongoing with UK authorities on the matter.”

He added: “An appeal for Prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria” has been presented to the United Kingdom authorities.

It was reported that the delegation, which included Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Adegbite, met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice to discuss the former senator’s case.

The delegation was subsequently received at the Nigerian High Commission in London by the Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu.

Trump’s Military Threat: FG Says It’s In Discussions With The US

Global News

Olaosun Rebecca

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November 11, 2025

166

Trump’s Military Threat: FG Says It’s In Discussions With The US

The Federal Government has announced that diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce recent tensions between Nigeria and the United States over security and human rights issues.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this during an interview on The World With Yalda Hakim aired on Sky News on Monday night.

Idris confirmed that communication channels between Abuja and Washington have been reactivated, expressing confidence that the ongoing discussions are helping to dispel misconceptions about Nigeria’s security situation.

“Channels of communication have been opened, I can confirm that; we are talking to them, and I think they are understanding the situation better. We believe that most of the information is a result of a lack of proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the problem we have at hand,” he said.

The Minister also accused a proscribed separatist group of orchestrating a misinformation campaign against Nigeria through lobbyists based in the United States.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that the group is exploiting lobbying networks in Washington to shape opinions and influence policy decisions.

“Let me also put it out there that we are seeing a direct connection between U.S. lobbyists and a proscribed terrorist organization in Nigeria. They have set up lobbying channels in the U.S., contacting high-level individuals to push narratives that misrepresent the reality in Nigeria,” Idris stated.

While acknowledging the country’s security challenges, Idris noted that the U.S. has long been a key ally in Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations and urged for renewed cooperation to sustain progress against insurgents.

“Yes, indeed, the situation is there, we have conflict in Nigeria, but in the past, the United States government has helped Nigerian authorities deal with this situation. So, we are calling on them to partner with us once again so we can have peace once and for all in our country,” he said.

The Minister further questioned the accuracy of some international data used to back claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, arguing that such information is unreliable and misrepresents the nation’s realities.

“Some of the assumptions are based on data that largely cannot stand any scientific scrutiny,” he noted.

Idris reiterated that Nigeria is a multi-faith country that upholds freedom of religion, stressing that the ongoing conflicts are not driven by religious intolerance.

He urged the global community to adopt a more balanced perspective on Nigeria’s situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding over misinterpretation.

Nigerian Airstrikes Hit ISWAP, Bandit Camps; Over 100 Killed

Nigeria

Ohiomoje Margaret

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November 11, 2025

2

Nigerian Airstrikes Hit ISWAP, Bandit Camps; Over 100 Killed

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted precision airstrikes targeting ISWAP terrorists in Borno State and bandit hideouts in Kwara and Katsina States, resulting in the elimination of several insurgents and the destruction of logistics hubs, weapons storage facilities, and other militant infrastructure.

According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations took place on Sunday, November 10, 2025, guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds.

“Air assets conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin,” Ejodame stated.

“The strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities. Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralisations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area.”

In the North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, NAF aircraft carried out air interdiction missions across Kwara and Katsina States, striking bandit camps with high accuracy. Targets included Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara and Zango Hill in Kankara, Katsina, where a terrorist kingpin and his fighters were neutralised. The operations extended to key settlements across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna, with aircrews successfully engaging terrorists attempting to flee along known hideout routes.

The Nigerian Air Force attributed the successful precision operations to directives from Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-driven airpower in degrading insurgent capabilities while safeguarding citizens’ lives.

Deadly Clash Between Boko Haram And ISWAP

In a related security development, more than 100 terrorists have reportedly been killed in fierce clashes between Boko Haram fighters and their rival, ISWAP.

Counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama reported that Boko Haram is currently gaining the upper hand, having seized multiple ISWAP camps in the ongoing battle. Viral footage shared online shows heavy exchanges of gunfire between the two groups, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation.

Authorities have urged residents in surrounding communities to remain vigilant and avoid affected areas for their safety.

INEC Issues Certificates Of Return To Soludo And His Deputy

Politics

Olaosun Rebecca

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November 11, 2025

1

INEC Issues Certificates Of Return To Soludo And His Deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented certificates of return to Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

The certificates were handed to them by the Supervising INEC National Commissioner for the Anambra election, Kenneth Ikeagu, on Tuesday in Awka, two days after Soludo and Ibezim were declared winners of the governorship poll.

With the issuance of the certificates, Soludo and Ibezim have been officially confirmed as the re-elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

During the presentation, Ikeagu stated, “We are here to present the certificates of return to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, following their successful outing during the state governorship election held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.”

He added, “Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return within 14 days to every candidate who has been duly returned by the returning officer under the Act.

“In compliance with this statutory provision, I have the honour and privilege, in my capacity as the Supervising National Electoral Commissioner of the Anambra State governorship election, to present the certificates of return to the Governor and the Deputy Governor-elect, who emerged victorious in the just-concluded governorship election.”

Soludo, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was declared winner of the November 8, 2025 election on Sunday.

The Returning Officer, Professor Edoba Omoregie, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, announced the results at the INEC collation centre in Awka.

According to the results, Soludo secured 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who garnered 99,445 votes, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, Paul Chukwuma, came third with 37,753 votes.

INEC reported that 16 candidates representing 16 political parties contested in the election.

Out of 2,788,864 registered voters in the state, 598,229 were accredited to vote.

A total of 595,298 votes were cast, with 11,244 votes declared invalid across the 21 local government areas.

From the declared results, Soludo, the APGA candidate, won in all 21 local government areas with a landslide victory.

The governor and his deputy were accompanied by their wives to the state INEC headquarters for the presentation ceremony.