Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates set to contest the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election. This publication marks the formal commencement of election campaigns in the southeastern Nigerian state.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information & Voter Education Committee, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Out of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, 16 are participating in this election. Notably, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have both nominated female candidates for the governorship position. Additionally, six parties are fielding female running mates: Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). No party has nominated a candidate identified as a person with a disability. The ages of the governorship candidates range from 36 to 71 years.
The full list, detailing candidates by party, age, gender, and academic qualifications, has been made publicly available on INEC’s official website and social media platforms.
This final list follows a period of withdrawals and substitutions, which concluded on Monday, June 2, 2025. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a new primary to replace its candidate, while four other parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates. In line with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act, no further withdrawals or replacements are permitted, except in the event of a candidate’s or running mate’s death before election day.
Campaign Period and Guidelines
Electioneering campaigns are now officially permitted to begin from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and must conclude at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
INEC has issued a reminder to all political parties, candidates, and their supporters regarding campaign conduct. Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibit the use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents during rallies or meetings, and the destruction of campaign materials. The commission also stressed that all parties and candidates must be granted unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and rallies. Furthermore, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 explicitly prohibits the use of incumbency to unfairly advantage or disadvantage any party or candidate.
The Anambra State Governorship election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Add Comment