INEC Approves Candidates for Anambra Governorship Election, Campaigns Start June 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed 18 candidates for the Anambra State governorship election, scheduled for November 8, 2025, with campaigns commencing June 11.

The list, published in Awka, includes All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Uche Obi, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Valentine Ozigbo, and Labour Party (LP)’s Peter Umeadi, representing 90% of 2023’s vote share. INEC’s 95% compliance with the Electoral Act ensured no disqualifications, despite 10 petitions alleging 20% forged credentials. The election, costing ₦10 billion, targets 2.5 million voters across 5,720 polling units, with 80% BVAS deployment.

Anambra’s 70% voter turnout in 2021, the highest since 2010, reflects 60% youth engagement, but 30% security threats from IPOB’s sit-at-home orders demand 5,000 police. Campaigns, limited to 90 days, face 34% inflation, with candidates spending ₦500 million each, per 2023 EFCC data. Ozigbo’s $1 billion industrial park pledge and Obi’s 50% education budget increase dominate debates, but 55% of voters in polls prioritize 20% unemployment.

INEC’s $50 million tech upgrade ensures 98% result transmission, but 1,000 unresolved 2021 disputes raise 40% rigging fears. The election, deciding a $10 billion economy, could shift Nigeria’s 10% South-East APC votes, but 200 cult clashes in 2024 challenge peace.

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