Anambra guber: INEC publishes final lists of candidates, date for campaign kickoff

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Anambra State governorship election in November, clearing 16 of the 19 registered parties to participate in the poll.

The commission, in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee,  Sam Olumekun, revealed that while one political party conducted fresh elections, four others replaced their deputy governorship candidates.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election, while Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) met the Monday, June 2 deadline for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

The electoral umpire equally noted that no party nominated a person with disability as a candidate, disclosing that in terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.

It warned that with the final publication, there would be no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates except in the event of death of a candidate or a running mate before the election day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

The commission also announced that the political parties could start campaigns in public from Wednesday, June 11, 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The statement read: “The public may recall that the commission recently published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

“A total of 16 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday, May 12, 2025. In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are empowered to replace their candidates, who voluntarily withdraw from the race.

“Accordingly, the ADC conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four political parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates. They are A, AAC, LP and the NNPP. The deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday, June 2, 2025.

“Consequently, the commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election. Sixteen of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election. Out of the 16 parties, the AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates while six parties are fielding female running mates. No party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. In terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.

“The full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.

“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” the statement read.

On the commencement of campaign, the electoral umpire noted: “In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.

“As enshrined in sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind political parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials.

“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, as well as public rallies and meetings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” the statement added.