Anambra State voters head to the polls today, Saturday, November 8, 2025, to elect their next governor in the off-cycle governorship election. Anambra is among eight states in Nigeria that conduct governorship elections outside the general election schedule. Other states in this category include Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti. This unique election structure in Anambra dates back to 2003, after a court ruling removed Chris Ngige and installed Peter Obi of APGA following a two-year legal battle.

This year, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared sixteen candidates to contest the governorship seat. Some of the major candidates include incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of APGA, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC, Jude Ezenwafor of the PDP, and George Moghalu of the Labour Party. Other contenders represent parties such as YPP, AA, ADC, SDP, NNPP, ZLP and more, showing a wide political field and strong competition.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, reiterated the Commission’s full readiness for the election, confirming that over 24,000 election officials have been deployed across the state. Voting will take place in 5,718 polling units out of 5,720, with two units skipped due to having no registered voters. Security agencies and observers are also reportedly stationed across the state to ensure a smooth and credible process.

Governor Soludo, who seeks re-election, remains one of the strongest contenders in the race. The election will be a key test of his administration and popularity among the electorate. Political watchers say voter turnout, security presence, and the performance of new and smaller parties will be major highlights to monitor as the day progresses.

Stay tuned to this live update thread for real-time results, official announcements, and major developments as votes are cast and counted across Anambra State. The people of Anambra will soon decide who will lead them for the next four years.