The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates contesting the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election and formally declared the commencement of political campaigns.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025
According to the Commission, a total of 16 political parties submitted the personal particulars of their governorship candidates using Form EC9 by the stipulated deadline of 6:00 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025. This follows the conclusion of party primaries as required by the Electoral Act 2022.
The Commission also noted that in line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act, parties were allowed to replace candidates who voluntarily withdrew from the race.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate, while four other parties, Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), substituted their deputy governorship candidates before the final deadline on Monday, June 2, 2025.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before election day, as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” Olumekun stated.
Of the 19 registered political parties in the country, 16 will participate in the election. The African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six other parties, Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), have selected female running mates.
However, INEC disclosed that no political party nominated any person with a disability for the 2025 election.
The ages of the candidates range from 36 to 71 years, reflecting a generational mix. The full list of candidates, including their party affiliations, gender, age, and academic qualifications, has been published on the Commission’s official website and social media platforms.
The Commission also reminded political parties that, pursuant to Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns can officially commence on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and must end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
INEC warned against the use of foul language, incitement, and physical attacks during campaigns, referencing Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act.
The Commission emphasized that all candidates must be granted equal access to public facilities for campaign purposes, and warned that the use of state resources to gain an undue electoral advantage is expressly prohibited under Section 95(2) of the Act.
