Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the publication of the final list of 16 candidates for the Anambra Governorship Election, scheduled for November 8. The commission confirmed that election campaigns are set to commence on June 11.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, shared the details in Abuja. He emphasized that with the publication of the final list, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates would be allowed unless in cases of death before the election date, as stipulated in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
Olumekun noted that 16 political parties submitted the particulars of their candidates using Form EC9 by the deadline of 6 p.m. on May 12, and these particulars have since been published. He explained that Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022 allows political parties to replace candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four other parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates: Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The deadline for withdrawal and substitution of candidates was June 2. Consequently, the commission published the final list of candidates for the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election. Of the 19 registered parties, 16 are participating, with the AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) nominating female candidates. Additionally, six parties have fielded female running mates: Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). However, no party has nominated a candidate with a disability, and the candidates’ ages range from 36 to 71 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that notable candidates include Charles Soludo of APGA, Eze Nwafo Jude of PDP, Nwosu John of ADC, Ukachukwu Nicholas of APC, and George Mogbalu of LP. Olumekun stated that the full list of candidates, including their party affiliations, ages, genders, and academic qualifications, is available on the commission’s website and social media platforms.
In compliance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are permitted to begin public campaigns from June 11, with the campaigning period ending at midnight on November 6. Olumekun cautioned political parties, candidates, and supporters against the unlawful use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, or destruction of campaign materials, as these actions violate Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022. He also stressed that all parties and candidates should have unrestricted access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and public events. Furthermore, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the misuse of incumbency to favor or disadvantage any party or candidate.