The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday released the final list of 16 candidates contesting the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025.
The Commission also announced that political campaigns may commence on 11 June.
In a statement issued in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development.
According to Olumekun, with the publication of the final list, no further withdrawal or substitution of candidates will be permitted, except in the event of death, in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
He stated that 16 political parties had submitted the personal details of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 12 May. These particulars were recently made public.
In line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties may substitute candidates who voluntarily withdraw. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), he said, held a fresh primary to replace its initial candidate, while four parties substituted their deputy governorship candidates. These parties are Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The deadline for withdrawals and substitutions was Monday, 2 June.
“Accordingly, the Commission has now published the final list of candidates for the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025,” Olumekun said.
He added that 16 out of the 19 registered parties would participate in the election. Of these, the AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female governorship candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates. These include Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
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No party has nominated a candidate with a disability. The ages of the candidates range from 36 to 71 years.
According to the publication, some of the candidates include Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Eze Nwafo Jude of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nwosu John of the ADC, Ukachukwu Nicholas of the APC, and George Mogbalu of the LP.
Olumekun noted that the complete list, including details such as party affiliation, age, gender, and educational qualifications, has been uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public access.
He further stated that, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties may commence public campaigning from Wednesday, 11 June, and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, 6 November.
However, Olumekun cautioned political parties, candidates, and supporters against the use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents during rallies, and the destruction of campaign materials acts which are prohibited under Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022.
He also emphasised that all candidates must be granted fair and equal access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, rallies, and meetings.
“For clarity, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to confer an unfair advantage or disadvantage on any party or candidate,” he said.
