The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, also announced that political campaigns are officially set to commence on Wednesday, June 11.
According to the Commission, 16 political parties successfully submitted the personal particulars of their governorship and deputy governorship candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.
In line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are allowed to replace candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race. INEC confirmed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its initial candidate, while four other parties — Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — replaced their deputy governorship candidates.
“The deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday, June 2, 2025. Consequently, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election,” Olumekun stated.
Out of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, 16 are fielding candidates for the Anambra poll. The African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) are fielding female governorship candidates, while six parties — Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — have female running mates.
However, no party has nominated a person with a disability as a candidate. The age range of the candidates spans from 36 to 71 years.
With the publication of the final list, INEC emphasized that no further withdrawal or substitution of candidates will be permitted, except in the event of a candidate’s death, as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC also reminded political parties that, in accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, campaign activities may officially begin on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and must end by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Commission cautioned all political parties, candidates, and supporters against the use of abusive language, incitement, physical attacks, or destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, as prohibited under Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act.
INEC further stressed that all candidates must be granted unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, advertising, and political rallies, warning against the abuse of incumbency.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” Olumekun concluded.
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