The 2025 Anambra State governorship election unfolded across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas, engaging 2,802,790 registered voters and featuring sixteen candidates. Key contenders included incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (Labour Party), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP). While the overall atmosphere was largely peaceful, the election was marked by a mix of operational challenges, allegations of vote-buying, security concerns, and varying levels of voter participation.

One poignant incident highlighting voter accessibility issues was the inability of Mrs. Elizabeth Onike, a 96-year-old nonagenarian, to cast her vote at Umudim/Akasi polling unit 019 in Agulu Ward 2. Despite her eagerness, she was disenfranchised after failing to produce her voter’s card, in line with INEC regulations. This polling unit was notably where the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, later cast his vote. In contrast, 74-year-old Pa Julius Nwafor, who is visually impaired, demonstrated patriotic dedication by arriving early to vote at Polling Unit 002, Umuezeadigo Street, Isuofia, the hometown of Governor Soludo.

Operational glitches marred the commencement of voting in several areas. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine malfunctioned at Polling Unit 001, Fegge in Onitsha, causing significant delays and frustration among voters. Similar BVAS issues were reported in other locations, including parts of Olumbanasa. Beyond technical hitches, late arrival of election materials and officials was observed in polling units in Awka, Onitsha South, and Ebenator community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, leading to stranded voters and prolonged waits. At Governor Soludo's polling unit in Isuofia, over 400 voters faced delays due to the provision of only one BVAS machine.

Security measures, including a restriction of movement, were enforced across the state. Major streets and markets in Onitsha, usually bustling, were deserted, with commercial activities largely halted, and armed security personnel patrolling strategic locations. However, this restriction was defied in parts of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Aguata, where commercial vehicles operated freely and some traders opened shops at Nkwo Igboukwu market. Market leaders later intervened in Aguata to enforce closures, threatening fines. Security deployment itself was not without incident; in Ihiala Local Government Area, policemen allegedly fired teargas canisters, injuring a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and an election observer. Furthermore, police personnel deployed for election duty expressed widespread discontent over the non-payment of allowances, with some officers reportedly detained for protesting the situation.

Widespread allegations of vote-buying emerged as a significant concern, drawing condemnation from various quarters. Peter Obi, after casting his vote, decried the practice, alleging votes were being bought for between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000, which he stated was deteriorating Nigeria's democracy. APC candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu also alleged vote-buying and intimidation, emphasizing that selling votes undermines civic responsibility. Ifemelu Chioma, the AAC governorship candidate, condemned reports of votes being sold for as little as ₦5,000, calling for severe punishment, including life imprisonment, for both buyers and sellers. The APC State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Valentine Iluobi, also alleged that APGA and Labour Party were primarily involved in vote-buying. Even Governor Chukwuma Soludo acknowledged reports of opponents offering ₦15,000 for votes in Nnewi South. In Obosi, some voters expressed dissatisfaction after allegedly being offered only ₦1,000 for their votes. Conversely, an 85-year-old Pa Francis Emeka of Umuleri community stated his refusal to collect money for votes, citing an old inspiration from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Prominent figures participated and offered their perspectives. Governor Chukwuma Soludo voted at 1:25 p.m. at Ofiyi Square, Isuofia, expressing confidence in victory despite observed glitches and vote-buying attempts. Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, adjudged the election peaceful and commended INEC's performance after casting her vote in Nnewi North. Civil society groups, like TAF Africa, noted the calm atmosphere and voters' determination to protect their communities, while cautioning that a heavy security presence needed careful management to avoid unintended tension.

Despite some challenges, voting commenced smoothly in many polling units across Aguata, Awka South, Orumba North, and Nnewi North and South LGAs. Preliminary results from some polling units started trickling in, with APGA generally leading in early counts from Nnokwa (Idemili South), Uruagu Ward 1 (Nnewi North), Amawbia (Awka South), and Igbo-Ukwu (Aguata). However, a grave report surfaced about a councillor being shot dead by unknown gunmen at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1, Orumba South LGA, while attempting to vote, though the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, denied being aware of any such incident of violence in the state.