The Anambra State governorship election, keenly anticipated and held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, saw residents across the state participating in the democratic process. With 2,802,790 registered voters expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in the state’s 21 local government areas, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deployed staff and materials early, with voting commencing as scheduled in multiple Local Government Areas (LGAs) including Njikoka, Aguata, Ekwusigo, and Ayamelum. The election features sixteen candidates, with prominent contenders including Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), 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).

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, seeking re-election on the APGA platform, expressed confidence in securing victory, even amidst reports of widespread vote buying. After casting his vote at Polling Unit 002, Umuezeadigo Street, Isuofia, Aguata LGA, Soludo acknowledged that while the election was largely peaceful, there were “some glitches” in a few areas, particularly concerning BVAS functionality in Orumba. He specifically alleged massive vote buying in Nnewi South local government area, accusing a desperate candidate from that locality of offering ₦15,000 to voters. Despite these claims, Soludo remained resolute, stating, “even if he is sharing ₦100,000, never mind — let the people just vote, then count the votes. We are very convinced that on the basis of one man, one vote, we are going to win with a landslide.” He also commended early voter turnout and urged patience, reminding that anyone at a polling unit before 2:30 p.m. must be allowed to vote.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central District and a member of the Labour Party, commended the peaceful conduct of the election after casting his vote at Polling Unit 19, Aguluzigbo Town Hall, Anaocha LGA. He emphasized voting as a civic responsibility and urged active participation, noting the calm atmosphere at his polling unit. Reflecting on his extensive political history, Umeh mentioned serving as a state collation agent for winning candidates in five previous governorship elections, including Peter Obi, Willie Obiano, and Charles Soludo. This time, however, he chose to remain a quiet voter, deliberately stepping back from active campaign roles to allow Anambra people to freely choose their leader. While praising the security arrangements and lack of negative reports from across the state, Senator Umeh cautioned against electoral malpractice during the collation and result declaration stages, stressing the importance of respecting citizens' votes for Nigeria’s democracy to thrive.

Election monitoring organizations also weighed in on the process. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, held political parties accountable for potential voter apathy, stating that they often fail in voter mobilization and communication. He identified Anambra South Senatorial District, encompassing Ihiala, Nnewi, and Aguata, as a major hotspot due to several leading candidates hailing from there. Despite these concerns, Itodo commended the smooth start of the election, confirming no major security breaches as of Saturday morning. Jake Epelle, founder of TAF Africa, echoed assurances regarding security, noting the peace-loving nature of Anambra people and the reassuring presence of security personnel. He emphasized the need for careful management of security deployment and reiterated assurances from police officials about maintaining neutrality to prevent skirmishes. Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle confirmed that security agencies had conducted clearance operations in high-risk zones, neutralising major threats ahead of the poll, and assured residents of a peaceful exercise across all flashpoints, including Ihiala.

However, the election was not without its challenges. Technical hitches with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) were reported in several areas, delaying accreditation and voting. For instance, at Nteje Boys Secondary School in Oyi LGA and Polling Unit 008, Ward 07, Nnobi, Idemili South LGA, APGA agents complained of BVAS devices failing to read some voters’ cards, with technicians contacted to resolve the issues. Similarly, Polling Unit 001, Fegge Ward 5, experienced BVAS malfunction, preventing the commencement of proceedings until a replacement device arrived. Beyond technical setbacks, allegations of vote buying were rampant. An Election Room observer, Dimma Nwobi, reported instances of cash inducements by party agents. Chioma Ifemeludike, the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), took to Instagram to allege that votes were being bought across the state for as low as ₦5,000, calling on security agencies and INEC to address this “unacceptable” act.

Despite the challenges, the overall sentiment leaned towards a largely peaceful and orderly process. Early deployment of INEC officials and materials was noted in Awka South, with ad hoc staff arriving at community primary schools in Amawbia. Voting commenced smoothly at various polling units in Amawbia, with encouraging turnout. Similar reports of timely arrival of materials and orderly voting came from Registration Area 10: Enugwu Ukwu II in Njikoka LGA, Obi’s Palace in Ekwusigo LGA, and PU 001, RA Achina 2 in Aguata LGA. In Ayamelum LGA, polling units under RA 08, Omor III, recorded early turnout, especially among senior citizens. Observers and party agents were present at many locations to monitor proceedings and ensure transparency.

The election also highlighted human-interest stories, demonstrating the strong commitment of residents to their civic duty. In Aguata LGA, 110-year-old Papa Onwujiobi Nwafo cast his vote at Ward 13, Unit 002, Isuofia, drawing admiration. In the same polling unit, 74-year-old visually-challenged Pa Julius Nwafor successfully exercised his franchise with the assistance of his daughter, Ofeoma Nwafor. These instances underscored the determination of Anambra voters to participate in shaping their state's leadership. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible, transparent, and peaceful election, aiming for an outcome that truly reflects the will of the Anambra voters.