Photo caption: Aambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, takes his oath of office at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital, on March 17, 2026.
The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, have been sworn in for a second term in office during a ceremony held at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Tuesday.
Soludo took the oath of office alongside his deputy at about 11:05 am.
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the duo.
Both the governor and his deputy were accompanied by their wives and members of their families.
The Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan are also attending the second-term inauguration.
Photo caption: Governor Soludo’s parade. Photo credit: Ikenna Obianeri
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Vice President Shettima, former Presidents Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, were already in Anambra State for the ceremony.
Several high-profile personalities, including elder statesmen such as former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, were also expected to attend.
The event is being held at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square. Traditional rulers from the 179 communities in the state, as well as monarchs from other parts of Nigeria, are in attendance.
Governor Soludo was re-elected on November 8, 2025, on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, which has mobilised members from all 326 political wards to attend the inauguration.
Security has been tightened across the state, with personnel from the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other agencies deployed to strategic locations.
The governor and his deputy marked the end of their first tenure on Sunday with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the International Convention Centre.
