As preparations intensify for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates vying for the state’s top political seat.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Olumekun, 16 out of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties have successfully fielded candidates for the election. Notably, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates for the governorship race—a significant development in Nigeria’s male-dominated political landscape.
He listed those with female running mates as Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
With the development, incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Ukachukwu of the APC, George Moghalu of Labour Party and 13 others have been cleared for the poll.
Olumekun said no political party had nominated a person with a disability as a candidate and that the candidates’ age range was between 36 and 71.
The INEC chief spokesperson said the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications had been uploaded to the INEC website and social media platforms for public information.
He stated that ADC conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four political parties – Accord, AAC, LP, and NNPP – replaced their deputy governorship candidates. He added that the deadline for withdrawing and substituting candidates was Monday.
Olumekun further explained that with the publication of the final list, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates would be allowed except in the event of the death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as provided for in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
He also disclosed that, in accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, public campaigns would commence on Wednesday, June 11, and end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
He also cautioned contending parties against incendiary rhetoric and violence.
“As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind political parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials. Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, public rallies, and meetings,” he said, adding that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the abuse of incumbency powers
