The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election and formally announced the start of the campaign period.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the list was released following the completion of candidate substitution processes and verification of personal details submitted by political parties.
INEC confirmed that 16 political parties met the submission deadline of May 12, 2025, and are set to participate in the November 8 election.
Among them, the African Action Congress and the National Rescue Movement have nominated female candidates, while six parties—including Accord, All Progressives Congress, APP, Boot Party, Labour Party, and ZLP are fielding female running mates.
However, no party has nominated a candidate with a disability.
The statement reads in part: “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 6.00 pm 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 African Democratic Congress conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate, while four Political Parties replaced their Deputy Governorship candidates. They are Accord, African Action Congress, Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
“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.
“The age of the governorship candidates ranges from 36 to 71 years. The full list, including details such as party affiliation, age, gender, and educational qualifications, is available on INEC’s website and social media platforms.”
The statement said with the final list now published, no further candidate substitutions will be accepted, except in cases of death before election day, as stipulated by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
INEC also confirmed that political campaigns will officially begin on June 11 and must conclude by midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Commission cautioned parties and supporters to adhere strictly to campaign regulations outlined in the Electoral Act, including the prohibition of hate speech, physical attacks, and the destruction of opponents’ materials.
Furthermore, all candidates are to be granted equal access to public facilities for advertising and events, and the use of incumbency for electoral advantage is expressly forbidden under the law.
“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 said.
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