The highly anticipated Anambra off-circle governorship election is slated to take place today, Saturday, November 8, 2025. This election positions Anambra as one of eight states in Nigeria where gubernatorial polls are conducted outside the country's general election timetable, a list that also includes Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti.

Anambra's unique electoral cycle originated in 2003, following a landmark court ruling. This decision led to the removal of Chris Ngige, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who had initially been declared the winner of the state governorship election. After an exhaustive two-year tribunal case, culminating at the Court of Appeal in Enugu, Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was installed as the rightful governor, thereby establishing Anambra's distinct off-circle election schedule.

For the upcoming 2025 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially listed sixteen candidates who will be contesting the governorship seat. Among the notable contenders are Onyeeze Chidi (A), Nweke Ezechukwu Japhet (AA), Ifemeludike Chioma Grace (AAC), Nwosu Chima John (ADC), Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC), Soludo Charles (APGA), Otti Cyprian Echezona (APM), Nweke Christopher Chukwudubem (APP), Okeke Chika Jerry (BP), Moghalu George (LP), Onyejgbu Geoffrey (NNPP), Ndidi Christy Olieh (NRM), Ezenwafor Jude (PDP), Chukwurah Vincent (SDP), Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka (YPP), and Ugwoji Uchenna (ZLP). The incumbent governor, Charles Soludo of APGA, remains a significant figure and a major contender in this intense governorship race.

Prof Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has consistently reiterated the Commission's thorough preparedness for the Anambra State Governorship election. He confirmed the extensive deployment of 24,000 personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Elections are scheduled to hold in 5,718 out of the total 5,720 polling units (PUs) across the state, with the two omitted PUs excluded due to a lack of registered voters. The Commission assures transparency and efficiency throughout the electoral process.