The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 16 candidates who will contest the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election.
INEC made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun.
Olumekun announced that political campaigns for the election will officially commence on June 11, in accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.
“With the publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates would be allowed, except in the event of death before the election date as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” he said.
He explained that by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 16 political parties had submitted the personal particulars of their candidates via Form EC9, which were subsequently published for public scrutiny.
“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties were empowered to replace their candidates who voluntarily withdrew from the race,” Olumekun added.
He noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four other parties—Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—replaced their deputy governorship candidates before the substitution deadline of June 2.
“Consequently, the commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the Nov. 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election,” Olumekun stated.
Out of the 19 registered political parties, 16 are participating in the election. Among these, the AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties—Accord, APC, APP, Boot Party, LP, and Zenith Labour Party—are fielding female running mates.
“No party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. In terms of age, the candidates’ ranged between 36 and 71 years,” Olumekun said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the candidates include incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Eze Nwafo Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nwosu John of the ADC, Ukachukwu Nicholas of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and George Mogbalu of the Labour Party (LP).
Olumekun added that the full list, including details such as party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications of the candidates, has been uploaded on the commission’s website and social media platforms for public access.
He also issued a caution to political parties, candidates, and their supporters against the use of abusive language or physical attacks during rallies and meetings, in accordance with Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022.
“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, public rallies and meetings,” he stated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” Olumekun warned.
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