INEC Sets Date for Anambra Governorship Election, Outlines Timetable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled November 6, 2025, for the off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2022. This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with political party leaders on Thursday.

Prof. Yakubu stated that the formal notice for the election will be published on November 13, 2024. He also outlined the key dates for political parties, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the schedule. Party primaries are expected to take place between March 20 and April 10, 2025. The candidate nomination portal will open on April 18, 2025, at 9:00 am, and close on May 12, 2025, at 6:00 pm. The final list of candidates is scheduled for publication on June 9, 2025, while public campaigns will run from June 11, 2025, until midnight on November 6, 2025.

The INEC chairman noted that the commission would soon provide further details on other electoral activities, including new voter registration, voter transfers, and the replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The detailed timetable and schedule for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be posted on INEC’s website and social media platforms before the conclusion of the meeting, with hard copies distributed to party representatives.

Prof. Yakubu urged political parties to align their schedules with INEC’s timetable to facilitate effective planning and resource deployment for monitoring primaries and campaign activities. He emphasized the need for early preparations to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to missed deadlines.

Reflecting on past commission activities, Prof. Yakubu reminded attendees of the meeting held on August 29, 2024, to prepare for the Edo State Governorship election. He also mentioned that this was the final quarterly consultative meeting with political parties for the year, thanking them for their consistent participation despite short notice.

Prof. Yakubu highlighted that Nigeria no longer has an election season, as elections are now a continuous process. He noted that with only 29 days remaining until the Ondo State Governorship election, the commission’s regular meetings have become crucial for planning. He confirmed that the voters’ register had been presented to political parties in Akure, fulfilling 10 out of the 13 scheduled activities for the upcoming election.