ALL is now set for the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday (today), with 2,802,790 registered voters expected to head to the polls across the 21 local government areas of the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that accreditation and voting would commence simultaneously at 8:30am and end at 2:30pm across 5,718 polling units, while movement restriction will be enforced statewide from 6am to 6pm
The South-East state, considered Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial hub, is witnessing strong political interest as 16 candidates secured clearance from INEC to contest the strategic election.
Those in the race include incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Others are John Nwosu (ADC), Echezona Oti (APM), Ms. Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC), Jeff Nweke (AA), Charles Onyeze (Accord), Geoff Onyejegbu (NNPP), Chukwudubem Nweke (APP), Jerry Okeke (Boot Party), Ndidi Olieh (NRM), Martin Ugwoji (ZLP), and Vincent Chukwurah (SDP).
Sensitive election materials were collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Awka on Thursday under the supervision of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Queen Agwu, in the presence of party agents, journalists, and accredited observers.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan overseeing his first governorship election since his appointment in October 2025 assured that the Commission is fully prepared for a smooth and credible process.
“Voters should expect a significant improvement in Election Day logistics,” he said while addressing stakeholders at the signing of a Peace Accord earlier in the week.
Security concerns have remained a major threat to political participation in Anambra, particularly due to past incidents of violent attacks and the impact of sit-at-home orders enforced by non-state actors.
To ensure voter protection, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, approved the deployment of 45,000 officers across the state. Flashpoint areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Idemili North, and Ogbaru have reportedly been secured.
“Elections will go on peacefully in those places tomorrow,” said CP Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner in charge of election planning and monitoring.
Of the 2,466,638 registered voters during the 2021 governorship poll, only 253,388 were accredited, a turnout of just 10.3%. INEC fears a repeat of the turnout decline.
“The greatest enemy to Anambra’s democracy is not just external violence but voter apathy,” the Commission warned on its official X handle Thursday.
Civil society groups say the election will serve as an early test for Nigeria’s next general elections.
“This is the first major electoral test ahead of 2027,” said YIAGA Africa Executive Director, Samson Itodo.
Meanwhile, residents are urged to go out, vote peacefully, and protect the integrity of the process.