The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election and announced the commencement of political campaigns.
The Commission, in a statement issued Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, confirmed that 16 political parties would be contesting the election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
INEC’s publication of the final list follows the successful completion of party primaries and the statutory period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates, which closed on Monday, June 2, 2025.
According to INEC, a total of 16 political parties submitted candidate nomination forms, Form EC9, by the official deadline of 6:00 p.m. on May 12, 2025.
“Sixteen out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates while six parties are fielding female running mates. They are Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP),” it said.
The Electoral body disclosed that in line with the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate, while four parties: Accord, A, African Action Congress, AAC, Labour Party, LP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, replaced their deputy governorship candidates.
INEC noted that two parties, AAC and the National Rescue Movement, NRM, have nominated female governorship candidates.
Additionally, six political parties, Accord, All Progressives Congress, APC, Action Peoples Party, APP, Boot Party, BP, Labour Party, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, are fielding female running mates.
It however noted that no political party has nominated a person with a disability.
According to the commission, the age range of the candidates spans from 36 to 71 years.
It added that details of all candidates, including their parties, ages, gender, and academic qualifications, have been made available on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
With this final publication, INEC clarified that no further substitution of candidates is permitted, except in cases of death in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
On the commencement of electioneering, INEC stated that campaigns may officially begin on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and must end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act.
INEC also issued a stern reminder to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to adhere to the rules of civil engagement. As stipulated in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act, the use of abusive language, violent conduct, or destruction of opponents’ campaign materials is strictly prohibited.
It further reiterated that all candidates are entitled to equitable access to public facilities for campaign purposes, including media coverage and outdoor advertising.
INEC emphasized that no party or candidate should be disadvantaged through the abuse of incumbency, as barred by Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act.
