INEC declares campaigns open June 11, warns against misuse of incumbency power
*urge candidates to maintain decorum
By PAMELA EBOH
With barely five months to the Governorship election in Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned against the misuse of incumbency power, saying that no political party or candidate would be granted undue advantage or be disadvantaged through the use of public resources or facilities, as clearly stated under Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act.
The warning was handed out in a statement by the Commission in Awka on Wednesday to announce the official release of the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.
it also published key details about the candidates'profiles and the campaign timeline, in the build-up to the election slated for November 8, 2025.
The press release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun said that a total of 16 political parties have successfully fielded candidates for the election, following the conclusion of the substitution window that closed on Monday, June 2, 2025.
The electoral umpire revealed that the list includes each candidate's names, ages, gender, and academic qualifications of the candidates.
It added that the details have all been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public access and scrutiny.
According to the Commission, out of the 19 registered political parties in the country, 16 are participating in the election, while two political parties, African Action Congress (AAC) and National Rescue Movement (NRM) are fielding female governorship candidates.
The statement read in part, "Six parties, Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — have fielded female running mates.
"No person with disability was nominated by any party as either governorship candidate or running mate.
The ages of the candidates range from 36 to 71 years."
While noting that some political parties made lawful substitutions before the final deadline, the Commission observed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate, while four other parties — Accord (A), AAC, LP, and NNPP — replaced their running mates in line with the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
It added, "Following the closure of the substitution window on June 2 and the release of the final list of candidates, INEC declared that no further substitutions or withdrawals will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate, as permitted under Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act."
The Commission further declared that in compliance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are now authorized to commence open campaign activities effective from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and close at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
INEC also reminded all political parties, candidates, and supporters that the law prohibits the use of abusive language, physical violence, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials throughout the electioneering period. It stressed that political actors must conduct campaigns with civility, respect for others, and strict adherence to legal and democratic norms.
It however reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process, and urged all stakeholders in the Anambra 2025 governorship race to play their part in maintaining peace, fairness, and electoral integrity throughout the period of the campaigns