The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday published the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election.
INEC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the election that is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
INEC said the deadline for submission of candidates’ personal details was 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, in line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.
It also asked political parties to replace their candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race up until June 2.
INEC noted that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public information.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” INEC said.
“Accordingly, 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.”
According to INEC, 16 out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election, out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates.
These include 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, INEC disclosed.
The commission also disclosed that electioneering campaigns are permitted to begin on Wednesday, June 11, and will run until midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
INEC reminded political parties, candidates, and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions, and meetings, or destroy their campaign materials.
“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings. 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.”
The Anambra State Governorship election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
