INEC Confirms Candidates, Campaign Date For Anambra Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election and announced the official commencement of election campaigns.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the list followed the conclusion of candidate substitution processes and the verification of personal particulars submitted by political parties.

INEC noted that 16 political parties met the submission deadline of May 12, 2025, and are set to participate in the November 8 election.

Among them, the African Action Congress and the National Rescue Movement have nominated female candidates, while six parties—including Accord, All Progressives Congress, APP, Boot Party, Labour Party, and ZLP are fielding female running mates.

The age of the governorship candidates ranges from 36 to 71 years. The full list, including details such as party affiliation, age, gender, and educational qualifications, is available on INEC’s website and social media platforms.

In accordance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties had until June 2, 2025, to replace withdrawn candidates.

During this window, the African Democratic Congress substituted its governorship candidate through a new primary election. Accord, AAC, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party also made changes to their deputy governorship nominees.

NEC also confirmed that political campaigns may officially begin on June 11 and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

The Commission cautioned parties and supporters to adhere strictly to campaign regulations outlined in the Electoral Act, including the prohibition of hate speech, physical attacks, and the destruction of opponents’ materials.

Furthermore, all candidates are to be granted equal access to public facilities for advertising and events, and the use of incumbency for electoral advantage is expressly forbidden under the law.

The Anambra Governorship election is scheduled to be held on November 8, 2025