INEC Releases Final List of Candidates, Flags Off Campaign for 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

Abuja, Nigeria – June 4, 2025

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially published the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, marking the formal commencement of political campaigns in the state.

This development was contained in a press statement signed by Sam Olumekun, mni, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, and released on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Final List of Candidates Published

According to INEC, a total of 16 political parties will participate in the election, having met the submission deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, for uploading the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) as required.

In line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its initial candidate following a voluntary withdrawal. Additionally, four parties — Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — replaced their deputy governorship candidates. The deadline for candidate substitution was Monday, June 2, 2025.

INEC confirmed that with the publication of the final list, no further withdrawals or replacements will be permitted, except in the unfortunate event of a candidate’s death before the election, as stipulated under Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

Gender and Demographic Breakdown

The final list features some strides in gender representation:

• Two parties, AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), have nominated female governorship candidates.
• Six political parties — Accord, APC, APP, Boot Party (BP), LP, and ZLP — are fielding female deputy governorship candidates.
• The age range of candidates spans from 36 to 71 years, though no person with a disability is among the nominees.

INEC stated that the full list — including names, gender, age, political party, and academic qualifications — has been uploaded on the Commission’s official website and social media platforms for public access.

Campaign Period Officially Begins

Political parties and candidates are now officially permitted to begin electioneering campaigns in accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, starting from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and ending by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

INEC, however, cautioned all parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct their campaigns within the law. It emphasized that:

• Hate speech, violent language, destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, and physical attacks during political activities are strictly prohibited, under Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act.
• All candidates must be granted equal access to public media, advertising spaces, and rally venues.
• The use of state resources or incumbency to favour or disadvantage any political party or candidate is expressly outlawed under Section 95(2).

Election Date Confirmed

The Anambra Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025. INEC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process, urging all stakeholders to comply with the rules and work towards peaceful campaigns.