Anambra: Grief as Soludo Confirms Assassination of Councillor in Governorship Election
- Governor Charles Soludo bemoaned the killing of Richard Ibe, a politician in Anambra state, during the gubernatorial election
- The deceased was fatally shot shortly after casting his vote in the Saturday, November 8, governorship election, in which Governor Soludo secured a decisive victory
- Until his death, Ibe served as the councillor representing Owerre-Ezukala Ward 1 at the Orumba South legislative council, where he also held the position of legislative leader
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Awka, Anambra state - Prof. Charles Soludo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has confirmed the killing of a councillor by gunmen in the just-concluded governorship election.
Channels Television noted the governor's confirmation on Sunday, November 9.
Source: Facebook
Soludo notes "sad news" in Anambra election
The newspaper quoted Governor Soludo as saying:
“I also note with sadness the sad news that some hoodlums went to a community. We understand they came from across the border, caused mayhem and even killed one of our supporters, a councillor who had just voted and was heading home.
“They accosted him and shot him dead. That’s a councillor and an APGA chieftain. It’s very unfortunate. May his soul rest in peace.”
Legit.ng gathered that the politician was shot dead at Owerre Ezukala community, Orumba South LGA, during the election.
A source disclosed that the victim was gunned down by assailants at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1, while attempting to cast his vote.
Anambra election: Soludo pleased with overall security
Meanwhile, Governor Soludo applauded security agencies for thwarting alleged plans to disrupt the election.
Legit.ng reports that the 2025 Anambra governorship poll took place on Saturday, November 8, to elect the governor of the state. Incumbent APGA Governor Soludo was qualified to seek another term and successfully got reelected. The APGA gubernatorial flagbearer defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) nominees.
Source: Twitter
Expert speaks on stopping vote-buying
Election observers revealed that politicians engaged in widespread vote buying during the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election. Votes were reportedly bought with snacks, beverages, and money.
Segun Akinleye, a political analyst, shared a tip on what can be done to stop vote-buying in Nigeria.
He told Legit.ng:
"We should ask ourselves: how do we put a stop to this, or at least minimise it? This is where all stakeholders must become more proactive.
"INEC, security agencies, civil society groups, and even community leaders need to work together to create a voting environment where money cannot influence outcomes. Otherwise, results will always favour the party that pays more."
Read more on Anambra election 2025:
- Anambra guber: Soludo wins 2 more LGs as result collation resumes
- Anambra guber: Full list of LGAs results as Soludo emerges winner
- Anambra election 2025: List of biggest winners and losers
Anambra: Gunshots as Soludo triumphs
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a viral video showed police officers attached to Governor Soludo firing gunshots into the air.
The celebratory shots were fired shortly after the governor's re-election declaration in the Anambra election.
Source: Legit.ng
