Anambra 2025: INEC Gives Nod to Campaigns, Publishes Final List of Candidates

Anambra 2025: INEC Gives Nod to Campaigns, Publishes Final List of Candidates

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially approved the commencement of election campaigns for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election, while also publishing the final list of candidates.

This announcement follows the recent publication of candidates’ particulars from the primaries conducted by various political parties.

In a statement signed on Wednesday, by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, it was revealed that a total of 16 political parties submitted the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6:00 PM on May 12, 2025.

“The Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election,” Olumekun stated.

The statement also noted that political parties are permitted to replace candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race, in accordance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate while four Political Parties replaced their Deputy Governorship candidates. They are Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday 2nd June 2025,” Olumekun stated.

INEC further disclosed that out of the 19 registered parties, 16 will participate in the election. Notably, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates, including the Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

“No party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. In terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years,” he noted

The full list of candidates, including their party affiliations, ages, genders, and academic qualifications, has been made available on INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access.

With the publication of the final list, INEC declared that no further withdrawals or replacements of candidates will be permitted, except in the case of a candidate or running mate’s death before Election Day, as stipulated in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

The Nigeria Electoral body therefore authorized political parties to commence their electioneering campaigns in public starting from June 11, 2025, and will conclude at midnight on November 6, 2025.

Olumekun reminded all parties and candidates that, “It is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions, and meetings, or destroy their campaign materials.”

He further emphasized that all parties and candidates must have unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and public rallies. “Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” he stated.

The Anambra State Governorship election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025.