Anambra State, the south-eastern part of Nigeria popularly called The Light of the Nation, will today, Saturday, November 8, witness one of the most closely watched governorship elections in recent years.
For 19 years, APGA has held firm in the state, weathering political storms and surviving multiple attempts by national parties to take control.
Saturday’s election will decide whether that dominance continues or whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Labour Party (LP) can finally break APGA’s grip. The stakes are high, not only for the political future of the state but also for the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The poll comes under the close watch of political observers, security agencies, and international partners. For many, it will be the first real test of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its new Chairman, Dr. Amupitan. His handling of logistics, technology, and transparency will determine whether the commission can rebuild public trust after years of criticism over electoral irregularities.
Here are the key facts and developments shaping the 2025 Anambra governorship election:
Sixteen Candidates in the Race
Sixteen candidates are vying for the top seat across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas in a contest analysts described as a major test of Nigeria’s electoral credibility and democratic strength.
They include incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA, Obinna Uzor of the Labour Party, and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the APC.
Political analysts say today’s outcome will determine whether Anambra continues its 19-year APGA dominance or witnesses a political upset by one of the national parties.
As polling begins, the eyes of the nation and the international community remain fixed on Anambra, a state whose democratic choices have often echoed far beyond its borders.
Charged Atmosphere Across the State
From Awka to Onitsha, Nnewi, and Aguata, tension and anticipation are high. Streets were calm but heavily guarded on the eve of the election, with voters preparing to decide whether Governor Chukwuma Soludo will return for a second term or yield power to one of his challengers from the Labour Party (LP) or APC.
INEC confirmed that 2,802,790 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 5,720 polling units in the 21 LGAs.
INEC, Security Agencies Assure Credibility
Supervising National Commissioner Ken Ukeagu promised that the commission was fully prepared for a smooth and transparent process.
“There will be no glitches or technical problems. Our materials and personnel will arrive early at all polling units,” he assured on Friday.
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To secure the exercise, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed 350 officers across the state, while the Nigeria Police Force conducted aerial surveillance of major towns, including Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.
NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, said the corps would focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of voters and electoral officials.
Heavy Security Presence in Awka
Ahead of voting, residents in Awka reported unusual calmness amid tight security.
Correspondents observed multiple checkpoints, with combined teams of police, military, and paramilitary personnel stationed around key locations, including the INEC headquarters.
Vehicular movement was restricted in some areas to reduce congestion, while air patrols hovered above major routes.
Traders at Eke Awka Market expressed mixed feelings about the security buildup.
“The sounds of helicopters make it seem like something bad will happen,” said Mrs. Ifeoma Egbo, a trader. “It could scare older voters from coming out.”
But another trader, Mrs. Grace Anagor, said the deployment was reassuring. “We feel safer seeing the presence of security men. It means the government is ready,” she said.
INEC Final Preparations
The electoral commission began the final distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials on Thursday from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Awka.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, said the early distribution was meant to ensure smooth logistics and timely delivery to all polling stations.
“INEC is ready. We urge voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic right,” she said.
Reports from Aguata indicated that most Registration Area Centre (RAC) managers had received their materials and confirmed readiness for deployment. However, some ad hoc staff complained of omissions from the deployment list.
In Onitsha North, buses were seen loading INEC staff and materials bound for their RAC centres as of Friday evening.
Massive Voter Movement
Motor parks in Awka, including Aroma Junction, Unizik, and Amawbia Bypass, were crowded with travellers heading to their hometowns to vote.
“I’m travelling to Umunze to vote. The public holiday made it possible for many of us to go home,” said Ms. Chizoba Okeke, a civil servant.
Another voter, Mrs. Julie Abugu, who was heading to Nnewi, said she closed her shop early to fulfil her civic duty. “This election is important. We must vote wisely,” she said.
Tight Security for Polling Units
Police Commissioner Abayomi Shogunle disclosed that over 55,000 security personnel had been deployed, up from an initial 45,000. He said the deployment was aimed at protecting voters, not intimidating them, adding that at least three officers would man each polling unit.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
