The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates who will contest the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
This announcement was made in Abuja on Wednesday by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to Olumekun, the final list marks the conclusion of the nomination phase, and with its publication, no further substitutions or withdrawals will be permitted—except in cases where a candidate or running mate dies before election day, in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
Out of Nigeria’s 19 registered political parties, 16 will participate in the forthcoming election. Notably, the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) are fielding female candidates for the governorship position.
In addition, six political parties have nominated women as deputy governorship candidates. These parties include the Accord Party (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Olumekun disclosed that no political party nominated a person with a disability as either a governorship or deputy governorship candidate. Regarding age demographics, the candidates fall within the range of 36 to 71 years.
He further revealed that full details of all nominated candidates—including their party affiliations, gender, ages, and academic qualifications—have been published on the INEC official website and social media platforms to ensure transparency and public access.
The INEC spokesperson also revealed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had conducted a fresh primary election to replace its initial governorship candidate. Furthermore, four political parties—Accord (A), AAC, Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—replaced their deputy governorship nominees before the substitution deadline, which expired on Monday.
Looking ahead to the next phase of the electoral process, Olumekun announced that political campaigns are scheduled to officially commence on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and will end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025. This is in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which outlines the duration of campaign periods prior to an election.
He used the opportunity to caution political parties, candidates, and their supporters about the legal and ethical standards that must be upheld during the campaign season. According to Olumekun, Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act expressly prohibit the use of hate speech, incitement, physical violence, or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.
He also emphasized that all candidates and parties must have equal access to public venues and media channels for rallies, meetings, and advertisements. To eliminate unfair advantages, Olumekun reminded stakeholders that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act forbids the use of incumbency to benefit or undermine any political party or candidate.
INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all contestants, and urged all political actors to strictly comply with electoral laws and campaign guidelines to promote peaceful and credible elections in Anambra State.