The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sam Olumekun, a National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that campaigns for the election will begin on June 11.
Earlier, INEC had published the personal details of candidates who emerged from party primaries. A total of 16 political parties submitted their candidates’ information (Form EC9) before the deadline at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.
According to Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are allowed to substitute candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race. INEC noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate, while four other parties—Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—replaced their deputy governorship candidates.
The deadline for withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday, June 2, 2025.
INEC has now published the final list of candidates contesting in the 2025 Anambra governorship election. Of the 19 registered political parties, 16 are participating. Among them, the AAC and National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female governorship candidates, while six parties—Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—are fielding female running mates.
No political party has nominated a person with a disability. The ages of the candidates range from 36 to 71 years.
With the final list now published, no further withdrawals or substitutions will be allowed, except in the case of the death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as stipulated by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
Campaigns officially begin June 11
In line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties can begin their public campaigns on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and must conclude them by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
INEC reminded political parties, candidates, and supporters that the use of abusive language, physical attacks, or destruction of opponents’ campaign materials is prohibited, as stated in Sections 92 and 93 of the Act.
The commission also emphasized that all parties and candidates must be granted equal access to public facilities for media campaigns, advertising, rallies, and meetings. Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act specifically bars the use of incumbency to unfairly benefit or disadvantage any candidate or party.
