The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has released the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election and announced that political parties can begin campaigning from Wednesday, June 11.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, 16 political parties will participate in the election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Olumekun explained that although 19 parties are registered, only 16 submitted candidate details by the deadline of May 12, 2025. “A total of 16 Political Parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline,” he noted.
The statement added that five parties made changes before the final deadline of June 2, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate. Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also substituted their deputy governorship candidates.
INEC further disclosed that two female candidates—nominated by AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM)—will contest in the election, while six parties have female running mates. However, no political party nominated a person with disability as a candidate. The candidates’ ages range between 36 and 71.
The final list, including details like party affiliation, age, gender, and qualifications, is available on INEC’s website and social media pages.
Campaigns will officially start on June 11 and must end by midnight of November 6, 2025. INEC warned political parties to avoid the use of abusive language, violence, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.
Olumekun also reminded public institutions not to deny any party or candidate access to campaign venues or media platforms. “Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” he stated.