The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially confirmed that the Anambra State Governorship Election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This date marks a significant milestone for the people of Anambra as preparations intensify to elect the next governor of the state.
INEC also revealed that 16 political parties are expected to participate in the election. While there are currently 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, only 16 have so far fulfilled INEC’s requirements to field candidates in the election.
Election Timeline and Key Dates
INEC released a detailed election timetable earlier in the year to guide the entire process. Here are some of the important dates:
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Notice of Election: Issued by INEC in February 2025
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Conduct of Party Primaries: Between March 20 and April 10, 2025
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Submission of Candidate Lists by Parties
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Publication of Final List of Candidates: June 9, 2025
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Election Day: Saturday, November 8, 2025
The commission has emphasized that any party that fails to meet these deadlines will be excluded from the election.
INEC Issues Warnings to Political Parties
INEC has urged political parties to strictly follow all guidelines. One major concern raised by the commission is the practice of suddenly changing the venues and dates of party primaries, which hampers effective monitoring.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra stressed that the primaries must be transparent, democratic, and in line with the Electoral Act. According to the REC, any party that fails to meet the standards set by the law risks being disqualified.
Rising Political Tension in Anambra
As the election date approaches, political activities in Anambra State are heating up. Aspirants from different political parties have begun consultations, meetings, and mobilization across local governments.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which is currently in power, will be aiming to retain control of the state. However, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) are also preparing strong campaigns to challenge the status quo.
Anambra voters are expected to weigh their choices carefully, especially in light of ongoing challenges in the state such as:
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Infrastructure development
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Job creation and youth empowerment
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Security concerns
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Educational improvements
Voter Registration and PVC Collection
INEC has reminded residents of Anambra State to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This is crucial for those who are yet to register or who have lost or damaged their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Civic groups and non-governmental organizations are working closely with INEC to raise awareness about voter registration and encourage eligible citizens to collect their PVCs. Community leaders and youth organizations have also joined in the campaign to ensure high voter turnout.
What Lies Ahead
Once INEC publishes the final list of candidates on June 9, 2025, full-scale campaigns are expected to begin. Political parties will then unveil their manifestos and strategies to win over voters across the 21 local government areas of the state.
With 16 parties expected on the ballot, the 2025 Anambra governorship election may be one of the most competitive in recent history. Political analysts and observers will be watching closely to see how events unfold in the lead-up to the polls.
Conclusion
The confirmation of November 8, 2025 as the date for the Anambra State Governorship Election signals the beginning of an important electoral process. As 16 political parties prepare to contest, all eyes are on Anambra to deliver a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
INEC has promised to uphold the integrity of the process, but the role of political parties, voters, and civil society will also be critical in ensuring that democracy thrives in the state.
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