INEC Publishes Final List of Anambra Governorship Candidates, Campaigns Begin June 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, officially opening the window for political campaigns. In a statement issued Wednesday, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development and outlined key details surrounding the upcoming election.

According to INEC, a total of 16 political parties will participate in the November 8 poll, having completed their primaries and met the deadline for submission of candidate details via Form EC9 by 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) replaced its initial candidate after a voluntary withdrawal, while four other parties—Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—substituted their deputy governorship nominees.

The final list shows limited gender representation, with AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) fielding female governorship candidates. Six parties, including Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), have female running mates. INEC also noted that no political party nominated a person with a disability for this election cycle.

Candidates’ ages range from 36 to 71 years, and their academic and personal profiles are now accessible to the public via INEC’s website and social media channels. The Commission stated that with the publication of the final list, no further changes to candidates can be made, except in cases of death, in line with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Political campaigns are officially scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 11, and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025. INEC reminded all political actors to conduct their campaigns in accordance with Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act, which prohibit hate speech, violence, and the destruction of campaign materials. Additionally, all candidates must have equal access to public facilities for media and advertising, with Section 95(2) of the Act banning the misuse of incumbency for political advantage.

The Anambra State Governorship Election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.