The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled to take place on November 8, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC confirmed that a total of 16 political parties successfully uploaded the personal particulars of their nominated candidates (Form EC9) for the highly anticipated election.
With the publication of the final list, INEC clarified that no further withdrawal or substitution of candidates would be permitted, except in the unfortunate event of the death of a candidate or their running mate before Election Day.
The electoral body noted that while the deadline for the submission of candidates’ particulars was 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, the Electoral Act 2022 provided political parties the opportunity to replace any candidate who voluntarily withdrew from the race up until June 2.
Diverse Representation in Candidate Line-Up
According to the Commission, of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, 16 are participating in the Anambra governorship race. Notably, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates for the top job, 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 chosen female running mates.
INEC also revealed that no political party nominated a person with a disability as either a candidate or running mate. The ages of the candidates range between 36 and 71 years. The full list of candidates, including their names, ages, gender, party affiliations, and academic qualifications, has been uploaded to the INEC website and official social media platforms for public access.
Campaigns Set to Commence June 11
In line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC announced that political parties are free to commence public campaigns for the governorship election starting Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Campaign activities are expected to conclude at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Commission emphasized the legal framework governing electioneering activities, reminding political parties, candidates, and supporters that the use of abusive language, incitement, physical attacks, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials is strictly prohibited under Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act.
Additionally, INEC underscored the obligation to ensure equal access to public spaces and media platforms for all political parties and candidates during the campaign period. The Commission reiterated that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act forbids the misuse of incumbency powers to either advantage or disadvantage any political contender.
With preparations entering a crucial phase, INEC assured the public of its commitment to delivering a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process in Anambra.
