No fewer than 2.8 million registered voters are expected to elect Anambra State’s next governor today, marking the first governorship election overseen by the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23.
Observers say the poll will serve as a key test of INEC’s commitment to electoral reforms and its ability to deliver a credible, transparent process.
According to INEC, 2,802,790 voters—including 140,370 newly registered voters—are eligible to participate across 326 wards. With 98.8% of PVCs collected, major contenders such as Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Dr George Moghalu (LP), John Nwosu (ADC), Jude Ezenwafor (PDP), and Sir Paul Chukwuma (YPP) are seeking to unseat the incumbent, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of APGA.
The commission confirmed that all 5,718 polling units will open at 8:30 a.m., supported by 6,879 BVAS devices and over 24,000 ad hoc staff. Sensitive and non-sensitive materials were distributed on Thursday at the CBN office in Awka under tight security.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Queen Awgu, urged residents to turn out en masse, stressing that voting will begin on time and that their votes will count.
Police restrict movement, boost security
The Anambra State Police Command has imposed a statewide restriction on vehicular movement from midnight to 6 p.m. today to prevent the movement of political thugs and other disruptors. Only essential workers—such as INEC staff, accredited journalists, medical personnel, and observers—are exempt.
Meanwhile, four INEC National Commissioners and 10 special RECs are in the state to supervise the election. Registered voters in security-challenged wards of Ihiala LGA will vote at the council secretariat under heavy protection.
Security deployment has been increased from 45,000 to 55,000 personnel. INEC’s state headquarters and surrounding areas have also been cordoned off with armoured carriers and multiple security checkpoints.
Situation rooms activated
Election monitoring groups, including the Centre for Transparency Advocacy and the Centre for Democracy and Development, have set up situation rooms. Police authorities also deployed DIG Benjamin Okolo to oversee all security operations.
Parties express concerns
The APC spokesperson, Okelo Madukaife, expressed confidence in INEC but warned against the involvement of “non-state actors” in security operations, citing past incidents.
APGA spokesperson Mazi Ejimofor Opara urged voters to come out in large numbers, saying the party aims to secure at least one million votes.
Residents rush for supplies
Despite a calm atmosphere, residents flooded markets, petrol stations, ATMs, and motor parks on Friday for last-minute purchases ahead of today’s movement restrictions. Hotels across the state were fully booked by observers, journalists, party agents, and security personnel.
Battleground zones
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Anambra North: The only major candidate from this zone is YPP’s Paul Chukwuma, but APGA and APC are expected to dominate. APGA’s Soludo has strong backing here.
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Anambra Central: The zone with the highest number of voters. APGA has gained ground, though APC’s deputy governorship candidate Uche Ekwunife is influential in the area.
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Anambra South: A highly competitive zone with four top candidates—Soludo (APGA), Ukachukwu (APC), Moghalu (LP), and Nwosu (ADC)—all hailing from this region. Votes are expected to be split.
LP’s influence has declined since the 2023 elections, though Moghalu remains strong in Nnewi.
Yiaga Africa flags six flashpoints
Yiaga Africa identified Orumba North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata as potential security hotspots due to threats posed by non-state armed groups.
Dr Asmau Maikudi, chair of the group’s 2025 Election Mission, noted that the credibility of the election will depend on efficient logistics, integrity of procedures, and impartiality of security agencies.
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