Today, over 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra State will cast their ballots to determine who will govern the state for the next four years. This election marks the first major test for the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23, 2025. Observers say the poll will gauge INEC’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections and reflect the commission’s commitment to electoral reforms.
A total of 2,802,790 voters are eligible to participate, including 140,370 new registrants across the state’s 326 wards. With nearly 99 per cent of Permanent Voter Cards collected, the main contenders include:
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (All Progressives Congress – APC)
Dr. George Moghalu (Labour Party – LP)
John Nwosu (African Democratic Congress – ADC)
Jude Ezenwafor (Peoples Democratic Party – PDP)
Sir Paul Chukwuma (Young Progressives Party – YPP)
All are vying to unseat the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who is seeking re-election. Overall, 16 political parties are participating in the governorship race, including two female candidates.
Election Logistics and Security
INEC confirmed that all 5,718 polling units would open at 8:30 a.m. today, supported by 6,879 configured BVAS devices and more than 24,000 trained ad hoc staff. Distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials began on Thursday under the supervision of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Awgu, with heavy security. Key materials such as BVAS machines and official forms were transported to registration areas to ensure timely commencement of voting.
The Anambra State Police Command announced a total restriction of vehicular movement across the state from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day to prevent disruptions. Only essential personnel—including INEC officials, accredited journalists, election observers, medical personnel, and emergency responders—will be exempt.
INEC Chairman Amupitan disclosed that four National Commissioners were deployed to personally supervise the election, supported by 10 Resident Electoral Commissioners from across the country. Voters in six security-sensitive areas of Ihiala LGA will cast their votes at the council secretariat under protection from security agencies.
Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle said the number of deployed security personnel had been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 to ensure voters’ safety and the protection of electoral staff. INEC’s headquarters in Awka has been heavily secured, with barricades and armored personnel carriers deployed to key points in Ekwueme Square ahead of the poll.
Election Monitoring
Several civil society organizations, including the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), have set up situation rooms across the state. CTA deployed 50 observers to provide real-time updates, while CDD-West Africa trained and accredited 178 observers across all 21 LGAs. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Benjamin Okolo, supervises all security operations for the election.
Political Parties’ Positions
The APC in Anambra has expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct a credible poll but warned against intimidation by non-state actors. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Okelo Madukaife, noted past disruptions during the Anambra South Senatorial by-election, urging authorities to adhere to the law.
APGA, through its Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara, encouraged voter participation and said the party was targeting one million votes out of the 2.8 million registered voters. APGA emphasized the strong security presence and the democratic process, calling for a peaceful exercise.
Residents Prepare for Voting
Markets and motor parks across major cities—including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ekwulobia, and Awka—recorded heavy activity on Friday as residents stocked up ahead of the movement restrictions. Petrol stations saw long queues for fuel, while hotels across the state were fully booked by journalists, observers, and party supporters. Security personnel, including DSS and police officers, were present at these locations.
Residents expressed optimism about the calm environment ahead of the election. Grace Igwe, a trader in Onitsha Main Market, said, “The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, and by Monday, we should know our next governor.” Civil servant Mercy Okonkwo added that the calm ahead of the election provided an opportunity to make necessary preparations.
Key Battlegrounds
Anambra North, covering Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Oyi, Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, and Ayamelum LGAs, is expected to be a critical zone. The YPP candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, is the only contender from the area, while APGA and APC compete for voter loyalty.
Anambra Central, the state’s most populous zone with seven LGAs, is a stronghold of APC’s deputy governorship candidate, Uche Ekwunife, although APGA has made inroads by zoning its governorship ticket to the area.
In Anambra South, votes are expected to be split among four major candidates—Soludo (APGA), Ukachukwu (APC), Moghalu (LP), and Nwosu (ADC)—as they contest across seven LGAs. The area has seen increased party activity and strategic campaigning ahead of the vote.
Election Flashpoints
Yiaga Africa identified Orumba North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata as potential hotspots requiring close monitoring. The organization emphasized three key criteria to ensure election credibility: logistical efficiency, procedural integrity, and impartiality of security agencies.
The state’s governorship election is expected to conclude peacefully, with authorities, political parties, and observers working to ensure a credible, transparent, and safe voting process.
