The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the final list of candidates contesting in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025.
According to The PUNCH, the official campaign window will open on Wednesday, June 11, and close at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
This was made known in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun. According to him, the list followed the completion of candidate substitutions and verification of personal details submitted by political parties.
“A total of 16 political parties met the submission deadline of May 12 and will participate in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election,” Olumekun stated.
He disclosed that four parties—Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—replaced their deputy governorship candidates, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a fresh primary to substitute its candidate ahead of the June 2 deadline.
“In line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, parties are permitted to replace candidates who withdraw voluntarily,” he added. “However, with the final list now published, no further substitutions will be entertained except in the event of death, in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.”
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Olumekun also revealed demographic insights into the candidates, noting that their ages range from 36 to 71. Two female governorship candidates are among the contenders, representing AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), while six parties—Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), LP, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—nominated women as running mates.
“No party nominated a candidate with a disability,” Olumekun noted.
He further emphasized the need for political actors to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act throughout the campaign period. He warned against the use of hate speech, physical attacks, and destruction of campaign materials.
“As stipulated in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act, parties and their supporters must refrain from violence, abusive language, and the misuse of public facilities. Equal access must be granted to all candidates for campaigns, advertising, and rallies,” Olumekun warned.
He reminded political parties that the use of incumbency to influence the election is prohibited under Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act.
The full list of candidates, including their party affiliations, age, gender, and academic qualifications, has been uploaded on INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access.
