Anambra Governorship Election: INEC Clears Soludo, 15 Others for November 8 Poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the November 8, 2025, off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, a total of 16 out of 19 registered political parties will participate in the election.

Prominent among the cleared candidates is the incumbent governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Others include:

• Nicholas Ukachukwu – All Progressives Congress (APC)

• Jude Ezenwafor – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

• George Moghalu – Labour Party (LP)

• John Chuma Nwosu – African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Olumekun noted that while two parties, the African Action Congress (AAC) and National Rescue Movement (NRM), are fielding female governorship candidates, six parties have nominated female running mates. These include Accord (A), APC, Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

He disclosed that no person with disability (PWD) was nominated by any party, and that the age range of candidates spans 36 to 71 years.

INEC confirmed that:

• The deadline for candidate withdrawal and substitution ended on Monday, June 2, 2025.

• Only death of a candidate or running mate can warrant any further change, in line with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

• The ADC held a fresh primary election to replace its initial governorship candidate, while four parties—Accord, AAC, LP, and NNPP—replaced their deputy governorship nominees.

Campaigns Begin June 11

INEC also announced that public campaigns will officially begin on Wednesday, June 11, and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC used the opportunity to caution political actors against:

• Use of abusive language

• Physical attacks on opponents during rallies or meetings

• Destruction of campaign materials

It emphasized the right of all candidates and parties to equal and unimpeded access to public facilities for advertisements, media campaigns, rallies, and other political activities. The Commission warned against the misuse of incumbency advantage, citing Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The full list of candidates—including their parties, gender, age, and educational qualifications—has been published on INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access.

As the political atmosphere intensifies in Anambra, INEC urged all stakeholders to adhere to the provisions of the law for a peaceful, free, and credible election.