As Anambra State heads to the polls today, November 8, political tension and anticipation are at an all-time high. Major political parties including the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others are fielding candidates with distinct backgrounds, promises, and visions for the state’s future.
The 2025 Anambra governorship election represents more than a routine power contest. It is a referendum on governance, credibility, and citizen trust. Soludo’s re-election bid faces the twin challenge of voter fatigue and growing insecurity, while opposition candidates are positioning themselves as voices of renewal and accountability.
The credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will also be under scrutiny, as concerns over logistics, intimidation, and vote trading linger.
INEC had on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials across Anambra State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The exercise, held at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Awka, was supervised by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Queen Awgu, under heavy security presence. Party agents, security officials and observers were on site to witness the process.
Awgu explained that three key materials comprising the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Forms EC8A, and Forms EC8B, were dispatched to the 21 local government areas for onward movement to the Registration Area Centres.
“The idea is to ensure the election starts as scheduled; that is the only way the process can go on without delay. “People should come out and vote. Participate in this process. Do not stay home thinking your vote will not count,” she said.
Awgu added that INEC had made comprehensive arrangements in collaboration with political parties, security agencies, and civil society groups to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election.
Election under tight security
The Commissioner of Police in charge of election security in Anambra, CP Abayomi Shogunle, confirmed that the number of security personnel deployed for the poll had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 officers.
He said the deployment includes personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service, NDLEA, and other sister agencies. At least three security operatives will be stationed at each polling unit.
“The increase is not to intimidate voters but to ensure their safety and the protection of electoral materials,” Shogunle stated.
INEC boss vows transparency
Amupitan, had vowed to deliver credible, free, and fair elections across Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Professor Amupitan made the pledge while addressing INEC staff for the first time shortly after being sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Octorber
Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman emphasised that one of his foremost priorities would be rebuilding trust among the electorate, ensuring that every Nigerian voter believes their ballot truly counts.
“One of the tasks before us is to restore electoral confidence so that citizens realise their votes matter. Let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of all elections,” he said.
Amupitan identified the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State as his immediate focus, urging INEC officials to demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to transparency and integrity in the process.
He also underscored the importance of staff welfare, describing it as a cornerstone of his leadership agenda.
“I assure you that we will work as seriously and tirelessly as possible to ensure that our working conditions are conducive and that our staff are given the necessary resources to excel,” he stated.
Credibility test ahead of 2027
For many observers, the outcome of this election will not only determine Anambra’s next chapter but also serve as a precursor to the tone and dynamics of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
With the election set to test both the credibility of institutions and voter confidence, here’s a closer look at the key figures shaping the race and the narratives driving their campaigns.
Below are major contenders for the governorship seat in the state.
Chukwuma Soludo — APGA
The incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, seeks a second term under APGA. A renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Soludo has pitched his re-election campaign on his administration’s record in fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, and youth employment.
Supporters credit him with injecting technocratic discipline into governance, but critics argue that insecurity and uneven project delivery still mar his legacy. Despite claiming progress in curbing violent attacks, sporadic unrest continues to shadow his administration’s record.
Nicholas Ukachukwu — APC
Nicholas Ukachukwu, the APC candidate, promises a development agenda built on inclusion, industrial growth, and community security. A former chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council and ex-member of the House of Representatives, he brings decades of political experience, though not within Anambra’s direct administrative structure.
He brands himself as a “father of the people” rather than a “political godfather,” pledging to drive job creation and attract investment. However, critics question his deep-rootedness in the state’s politics and governance structures.
Jude Ezenwafor — PDP
Jude Ezenwafor, representing the PDP, has positioned himself as a candidate of renewal. The Abuja-based property developer and former aide to ex-governors Peter Obi and Willie Obiano pledges to “restore hope” and stimulate inclusive growth.
He insists that his leadership will transform Anambra into a regional economic powerhouse and claims to have “a secret formula” for making citizens prosperous. His emergence as a consensus candidate, coupled with his political experience under two former governors, gives his campaign an insider-outsider balance.
George Moghalu — Labour Party
George Moghalu, former managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), is running under the LP banner. A veteran administrator and one-time APC national officer, Moghalu’s campaign hinges on restoring public confidence through transparency and efficient service delivery.
The Obidient Movement has thrown considerable support behind him, portraying him as a disciplined reformist and symbol of competence. Moghalu is appealing to voters looking for technocratic stability beyond partisan divides.
Chioma Ifemeludike — African Action Congress (AAC)
Former Nollywood actress and activist Chioma Ifemeludike stands out as the only female candidate in the race. Representing the AAC, she campaigns on youth inclusion, gender equality, and talent-driven economic revival.
A self-described “female unionist turned reformist,” she rejects suggestions of inexperience, noting her tenure as AAC state chairperson. Her grassroots mobilisation has drawn attention to gender imbalance in Nigerian politics, even as she challenges the financial barriers women face in contesting elections.
Paul Chukwuma — Young Progressives Party (YPP)
Businessman and university pro-chancellor Paul Chukwuma carries the YPP’s banner. Having previously vied for the APC ticket, he’s running on a private-sector reform platform focused on tackling insecurity and revitalising local enterprise.
Chukwuma’s campaign pledges a decisive six-month action plan on insecurity and a major push for small business growth through tax incentives and investment support. His hybrid background in academia and entrepreneurship appeals to voters yearning for innovation in governance.
Chuma Nwosu — African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Chuma Nwosu of the ADC has built his campaign around transparency, anti-corruption, and digital governance. Touring rural and urban communities, he calls for a one-term mandate to restore citizens’ trust and rebuild public institutions.
Nwosu’s consistent advocacy against vote-buying and electoral apathy has resonated with reform-minded voters who see his candidacy as a call for a clean break from the state’s old political order.
