In a surprising turn at the Anambra governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, has emerged victorious at his polling unit as vote counting commenced.

Voting materials and personnel arrived early, prompting the early start of the exercise in what has largely been described as a two-horse race between the incumbent governor and his closest challenger.

The incumbent, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is seeking a second term, has been widely regarded as the frontrunner in the contest.

Ukachukwu cast his vote at exactly 11:46 a.m. at Umudimala 1, PU 011, Osumenyi Ward 2, Nnewi South Local Government Area. The presiding officer, Esther Ojukwu, announced that Ukachukwu scored 126 votes, defeating Soludo, who managed just six votes at the unit.

The development signals early momentum for the APC in key wards and sets the stage for a keenly contested election across the state.