Daniel Otera
As the people of Anambra State head to the polls this Saturday, 8th November 2025, anticipation, hope, and political tension hang thick in the air. Nigeria’s first major off-cycle governorship election under the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent years — and one that could redefine public trust in the nation’s electoral system.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 2,802,790 registered voters are eligible to participate in the Anambra State governorship election. According to the commission, 98.8 percent of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected a strong indication of voter readiness ahead of the polls.
INEC said all logistics and operational arrangements have been completed to ensure a smooth process across the state. Election materials are expected to arrive at polling units early, with voting scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. Adequate security personnel, according to the commission, have been deployed, and stakeholders have been briefed to ensure a credible and peaceful election.
The political atmosphere in Anambra is charged, with some of its most influential figures jostling for control of the Government House. The contest, already drawing national attention, has become a blend of continuity and fresh ambition.
Incumbent Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, contesting under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is seeking a second term, banking on his reform-driven governance and economic policies. But the contest is far from a walkover.
His major challengers include:
Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC): A seasoned businessman with deep political roots and a message focused on private-sector-led development.
Dr. George Moghalu (Labour Party): A technocrat and former administrator projecting competence, integrity, and a modern governance approach.
John Nwosu (ADC): Campaigning on grassroots empowerment and local economic revival.
Paul Chukwuma (YPP): Representing a younger generation’s demand for change and innovation.
Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC): Making gender inclusion and social justice the centrepiece of her campaign.
Jeff Nweke (AA): Promising to steer the state towards a new chapter of progress.
Read Also: Elections Should Be Decided at Polling Units, Not in Courtrooms – INEC Chairman Amupitan
With over 16 political parties fielding candidates, the November poll is already being described as one of the most competitive in Anambra’s history reflecting not just party rivalry, but a wider struggle to define the state’s direction for the next four years.
One major undercurrent in this election is zoning the informal understanding that power should rotate among the state’s three senatorial districts. Though not enshrined in law, the arrangement has been quietly observed since the mid-2000s, beginning under Peter Obi’s tenure.
Under this pattern, power has alternated between Anambra Central, North, and South. Political observers now argue that, by this logic, it should be the turn of Anambra Central to produce the next governor.
The district covering Awka North, Awka South, Anaocha, Dunukofia, Idemili North, Idemili South, and Njikoka carries significant electoral weight, with about 1,556 polling units out of the state’s 5,720 total.
However, the question remains: will zoning determine the 2025 outcome, or will performance and popularity override tradition?
Despite high registration numbers, Anambra has long struggled with voter apathy. In the 2021 governorship election, turnout was barely 10 percent, with just over 200,000 voters casting ballots one of the lowest in Nigeria’s electoral history.
INEC data shows a steady decline: 25.5 percent in 2013, 20.1 percent in 2017, and 10.27 percent in 2021. The commission described this trend as “a grave threat to the state’s democratic progress”, warning that continued apathy could undermine credibility in future elections.
Civil society organisations are raising alarm. At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Awka themed “Reignite the Voice: Mobilising for Electoral Participation,” participants emphasised that credible elections require collective effort from community leaders, faith-based groups, the media, and security agencies to encourage citizens to vote and safeguard the process from manipulation.
Despite preparations, concerns over vote buying persist. Reports have surfaced that some political actors are allegedly offering cash incentives to supporters to boost turnout.
Governor Soludo’s party, APGA, recently faced criticism after being accused of promising financial rewards to loyalists a move many described as inducement. The party, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting the initiative was only meant to mobilise members and promote participation.
To ensure transparency, Yiaga Africa, supported by the European Union’s EU-SDGN programme, has announced it will deploy 687 trained observers across the state. The organisation said its mission is to “set new benchmarks for credible elections in Anambra” and to hold both INEC and political parties accountable.
Security agencies say they are ready. The Nigeria Police Force has deployed 45,000 personnel across Anambra, supported by the military, DSS, NSCDC, and FRSC.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, said security agencies have harmonised their operational strategies.
“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful, credible, and violence-free election,” he said. “Our men have been instructed to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and integrity throughout the exercise.”
Earlier in the week, all candidates signed a Peace Accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee, chaired by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.) and Bishop Matthew Kukah, pledging to avoid violence and respect the outcome of the poll.
Beyond Anambra, this election represents a litmus test for INEC’s new chairman, Prof. Amupitan, who assumed office in June 2025. His leadership comes at a time of waning public trust following the controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.
Observers say Anambra 2025 will show whether INEC can restore credibility through transparency, logistics efficiency, and neutrality.
A statement from the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) noted:
“The neutrality of INEC and its ability to resist political pressure will be essential. Anambra has always been a political laboratory. How INEC performs here will shape public trust ahead of future elections.”
The Deciding Factors
Several factors could shape the outcome of Saturday’s poll:
1. Zoning Dynamics – Whether Anambra Central votes tactically for a one-term candidate or supports Soludo for continuity.
2. Incumbency Power – Soludo’s record in infrastructure and education reforms versus public discontent over his economic policies.
3. Voter Turnout – The ability of parties to mobilise early voters will matter more than social media noise.
4. Vote Buying and Security – Any form of inducement or violence could taint the process.
5. INEC Logistics – Timely delivery of materials and electronic transmission of results will determine credibility.
Ultimately, the 2025 Anambra governorship election is more than a political contest. It is a referendum on trust, credibility, and the future of governance in one of Nigeria’s most politically conscious states.
If INEC delivers a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, it could reignite public confidence, especially among young voters. But if the process falters through logistical lapses, violence, or manipulation it may further erode faith in Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.
As one resident in Awka said during a pre-election civic rally:
“This election is not just about who wins. It is about whether our votes still count.”
With over 2.8 million registered voters, 16 parties, and an electorate weary of broken promises, Saturday’s election will not only determine Anambra’s next governor but will also test the strength of Nigeria’s democracy itself.