Anambra guber: INEC publishes final list of candidates, confirms changes

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has confirmed that four political parties changed their candidates for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

The political parties are Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Following the changes effected, the Commission has now published the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State governorship election.

Peoples Daily reports that the deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday, 2nd June, 2025.

It would be recalled that the Commission recently published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the election.

A total of 16 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates, Form EC9 by the deadline of 6:00 pm on Monday, 12th May, 2025.

In line with the provisions 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, (ADC), conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate while the four parties replaced their deputy governorship candidates.

Sixteen out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress, (AAC), and the National Rescue Movement, (NRM), have nominated female candidates while six parties are fielding female running mates.

They are Accord, All Progressives Congress, (APC), Action Peoples Party, (APP), Boot Party, (BP), Labour Party and Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP).

INEC noted that no party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate, adding that in terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.

INEC said it has published the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications on its 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 by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, said.

“Commencement of Campaign

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 11th June 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday 6th November 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 campaign, 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.”