INEC Confirms Candidate Substitutions Ahead Of 2025 Anambra Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that four political parties have replaced their candidates ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

The parties involved are Accord, African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), all of which have substituted their deputy governorship candidates. Additionally, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate.

INEC has now published the final list of candidates for the election, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th November, 2025. The deadline for candidate withdrawal and substitution was Monday, 2nd June, 2025.

Earlier, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from party primaries. A total of 16 political parties submitted their candidates’ information through Form EC9 by the deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 12th May, 2025.

According to Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are permitted to replace candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race.

Of the 19 registered political parties, 16 are participating in the election. The AAC and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) are the only parties fielding female governorship candidates. Meanwhile, six parties—Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)—have nominated female running mates.

INEC noted that no candidate with a disability has been nominated. The ages of the candidates range from 36 to 71 years.

The Commission stated that it has published the complete list of candidates—including their party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications—on its website and social media platforms for public access.

“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,” said Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

Olumekun also announced that political parties may officially commence public campaigns on Wednesday, 11th June, 2025, with campaigning set to end at midnight on Thursday, 6th November, 2025, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act.

INEC reminded parties, candidates, and supporters that the use of abusive language, violence, or destruction of opponents’ campaign materials is prohibited under Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act. The Commission emphasized the need for equal access to public facilities, media platforms, and advertising spaces, stressing that incumbency must not be used to favor or disadvantage any candidate or party.