The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025, confirming that four political parties made changes to their candidates before the deadline.

According to the electoral body, Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) all substituted their deputy governorship candidates ahead of the June 2 deadline for withdrawal and substitution.

Additionally, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its main candidate for the gubernatorial race.

Diversity in Candidate Selection

Out of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, 16 will be participating in the Anambra election. The AAC and National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates for the top position, while six parties—Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—have selected female running mates.

INEC noted that the age range of candidates spans from 36 to 71 years. However, the Commission pointed out that no party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate for the election.

Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of Information & Voter Education Committee, confirmed that the full list of candidates, including details of their party affiliations, ages, gender, and academic qualifications, has been published on INEC's website and social media platforms.

Campaign Period and Regulations

With the publication of the final candidate list, INEC announced that political parties can commence their electioneering campaigns from Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The campaign period will conclude at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, two days before the election.

The Commission reminded political parties and candidates about the provisions of Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibit the use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, and destruction of campaign materials.

"All parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings," the statement read. "Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate."

INEC emphasized that 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.

The Anambra State governorship election is set to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as voters prepare to elect a new leader for the southeastern state.