By: Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wednesday 4 June 2025 released the final list of candidates for Anambra State forthcoming Governorship election.
INEC has scheduled the gubernatorial poll for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, 16 political parties were cleared for the poll.
Three political parties will not be participating in the election.
The commission noted that the substitution deadline, for parties to effect any kind of changes of candidate(s) , expired on Monday, June 2, 2025.
According to Olumekun: “A total of 16 political parties successfully uploaded the personal particulars (Form EC9) of their governorship and deputy governorship candidates by 6:00pm on Monday, May 12, 2025.”
Olumekun further disclosed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to substitute its initial candidate, while four other parties, Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) replaced their deputy governorship candidates.
The Commission affirmed that it has now published the final list of candidates participating in the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial race. Sixteen out of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties are fielding candidates in the election.
From the breakdown of candidates, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female governorship candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates.
These include Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Olumekun stressed that no political party nominated a person with disability in this election cycle. The age range of the candidates spans from 36 to 71 years, reflecting a generational mix of aspirants.
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.
The detailed profiles of all confirmed candidates—covering party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications—have been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access.
The Commission stressed that no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be entertained, except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before the election, as outlined in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC also announced the official commencement of public campaigns. In accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties and their candidates are now permitted to begin electioneering from Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Campaigns will conclude at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, just ahead of the election date.
INEC cautioned all political actors to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement. Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act prohibit the use of inflammatory or abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, and destruction of campaign materials.
The Commission reiterated that political parties and candidates must have equitable access to public facilities, including media platforms, outdoor advertising, and public spaces for rallies and processions.
INEC reminded stakeholders that the use of incumbency to either disadvantage or unduly favour any candidate or political party is expressly forbidden under Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act.
The Commission affirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible election that reflects the will of the people of Anambra State.
