Ahead of the November 8, 2025, off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a two-week window for registered political parties to conduct their primaries. This announcement followed INEC’s regular management weekly meeting in Abuja, where preparations for the upcoming election were reviewed.

Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, stated that the decision aligns with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the publication of the Notice of Election well in advance—in this case, November 13, 2024, over 360 days before the election date.

According to the established timetable, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between March 20, 2025, and April 10, 2025. As of the announcement, 12 out of the 19 registered political parties have submitted their detailed primary schedules. Olumekun emphasized that early submission allows the Commission to effectively monitor the primaries, as stipulated in Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022. The remaining seven parties were urged to submit their schedules promptly.

Olumekun also cautioned political parties against making sudden changes to the dates, venues, or modes of their primaries, citing the logistical and financial disruptions such changes cause to INEC’s monitoring efforts.

In related developments, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has settled on an indirect primary mode for electing its candidate. Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the National Secretary of the party, confirmed that this decision was made during a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting. He clarified that while earlier advertisements might have suggested a direct primary, the NWC had not formally resolved on the mode until recently. A stakeholders meeting, including the State Working Committee, state caucus, and all aspirants, is scheduled to take place at the party’s national headquarters.

Meanwhile, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all Anambra State governorship aspirants have collectively decided to suspend the purchase of nomination forms. This decision hinges on the Supreme Court's resolution regarding the authentic national secretary of the party, a position contested by Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye. The office of the national secretary is crucial, as it is responsible for submitting nomination forms to INEC. With the Supreme Court set to adjudicate on the matter by March 10, the aspirants are awaiting clarity before proceeding.

The PDP had initially scheduled the sale of forms from February 24 to March 5, with a submission deadline of March 7, and primaries slated for April 5. However, sources indicate that the ongoing leadership crisis has deterred aspirants, who are wary of investing in a platform marred by instability.

Okechukwu Osuoha, the PDP National Deputy Legal Adviser, acknowledged the party’s internal challenges but expressed optimism about its prospects in Anambra. Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader, suggested that broader disillusionment with Nigeria’s electoral process contributes to aspirants' reluctance.

As the political parties strategize and prepare, INEC has reaffirmed that the Anambra State governorship election will indeed take place on November 8, 2025.