Soludo, Ukachukwu, Moghalu Among Final 16 as INEC Unveils Candidates for Anambra Governorship Race
INEC has released the final list of 16 candidates for Anambra’s November 8 governorship poll, including Soludo, Ukachukwu, and Moghalu.
With campaigns set to begin June 11, female participation and tough competition signal a heated, closely-watched race across the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the much-anticipated final list of candidates who will contest in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election. A total of 16 political parties have successfully met the required deadline and will field candidates in the upcoming polls, according to INEC.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. He confirmed that out of the 19 registered political parties in Nigeria, 16 submitted candidate details before the deadline of May 12, 2025, thereby qualifying for the election.
Among the notable names featured on the final list are high-profile politicians and returning contenders. These include Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and George Nnadubem Moghalu who will run under the Labour Party (LP). Also listed are Geoffrey Onyejebu representing the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Jude Ezenwafor, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The field also reflects notable female representation. Chioma Grace Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC) and Ndidi Christy Olieh of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) are the two female governorship candidates. Additionally, six of the 16 political parties are fielding female running mates, further highlighting a growing effort toward gender inclusion in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Olumekun made it clear that no candidate replacements or withdrawals will be permitted from this point forward, unless a candidate or running mate dies before the election. This stipulation is in line with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act, which governs candidate substitution under exceptional circumstances.
With the final candidate list now public, INEC also announced that political parties are officially cleared to begin their campaigns from June 11, 2025, in accordance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. Campaign activities must conclude by midnight on November 6, 2025, just two days before the election.
This marks the official start of what is expected to be a fiercely contested race in Anambra, a state known for its political vibrancy and strong electorate participation. The spotlight is particularly intense on Governor Soludo, who is seeking re-election amid various economic and security challenges facing the state. His performance in office will likely be a major talking point as campaigns unfold.
Meanwhile, opposition candidates such as Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC) and George Moghalu (LP) are expected to mount vigorous campaigns aimed at unseating the incumbent. Analysts are already projecting a three-horse race involving APGA, APC, and LP, though the PDP’s Ezenwafor and other contenders may prove to be formidable underdogs.
As Anambra prepares for what could be a pivotal election, citizens are being urged to remain informed, verify their voter details, and engage peacefully in the democratic process.
Who will you vote for on November 8? The countdown to Anambra 2025 begins.
