The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Wednesday released the final list of political parties’ candidates ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, with 16 out of the 19 registered parties completing all documents to participate in the polls.

INEC further said in a statement by its National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, that two political parties fielded female governorship candidates, while six fielded female deputy governorship candidates.

The parties with female governorship candidates are the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM), just as Accord, All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) fielded female deputy governorship candidates.

INEC also noted that no party has nominated a person with disability as candidate, adding that the governorship candidates range between 36 and 71 years. The statement noted further that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender, and academic qualifications is currently on its website and social media platforms for public information.

“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed, except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

“Commencement of campaign: In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday, 11th June 2025, and end at midnight on Thursday, 6th November 2025.

“As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind political parties, candidates, and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions, and meetings, or destroy their campaign materials.

“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, as well as public rallies and meetings. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.”