The Anambra 2025 Gubernatorial Race: A Three-Horse Race Emerges
The political atmosphere in Anambra State is heating up as the November 8, 2025, governorship election draws near. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), under incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, faces challenges from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), shaping a three-way contest for control of the state. While the PDP, another major party, grapples with internal issues and a hefty nomination fee, it appears unlikely to field a candidate, leaving the field open for APGA, APC, and LP. INEC has set the stage for the electoral process, outlining key dates for party primaries and reaffirming the November election date.
INEC Sets the Stage, Parties Prepare for Primaries
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has laid out the timetable for the 2025 Anambra governorship election, with party primaries scheduled to commence on March 20 and conclude by April 10. This early timeline allows INEC to monitor the primaries in accordance with the Electoral Act, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulations. Several parties have already submitted their primary schedules to INEC. The commission emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral calendar, setting the stage for a well-regulated and timely election process.
APC and LP Gear Up to Challenge APGA’s Dominance
While APGA appears confident with Soludo as their sole candidate seeking re-election, the APC and LP are actively preparing for their primaries, slated for April 5. The APC has screened seven aspirants, including notable figures like Valentine Ozigbo, a recent defector from the PDP, who received a waiver to contest. The LP, building on the momentum from its 2023 presidential campaign, is also set to hold its primary on April 5. Key figures like John Nwosu, George Moghalu, Bart Nwibe, and Tony Nwoye are vying for the party’s ticket. The LP is expected to leverage the popularity of Peter Obi, its presidential candidate and former Anambra governor, to garner support.
APGA’s Stronghold Under Pressure, PDP Faces Uncertain Future
APGA, the dominant force in Anambra politics since 2006, enjoys significant grassroots support. Governor Soludo is the unchallenged candidate for the party’s ticket, effectively guaranteeing his candidacy. However, the party faces a formidable challenge from the APC and LP. Meanwhile, the PDP’s prospects are dim. The party’s high nomination fee of N40 million has deterred potential aspirants, raising doubts about its ability to field a candidate. Several key figures have defected to other parties, further weakening the PDP’s standing in the state.
Soludo’s Confidence vs. Opposition’s Criticism
Governor Soludo projects confidence, declaring APGA the only viable choice for Anambra and downplaying the opposition’s strength. He points to APGA’s complete slate of candidates for the local government elections as evidence of the party’s dominance, contrasting it with what he perceives as disarray and weakness within the APC and LP. However, opposition figures like John Nwosu of the LP strongly criticize Soludo’s performance, citing issues of insecurity and inadequate development. Nwosu accuses Soludo of misrepresenting the state’s condition and merely repainting existing infrastructure rather than implementing substantial improvements.
Campaign Promises and INEC’s Neutrality
The upcoming election promises a clash of agendas. APC aspirant Paul Chukwuma emphasizes human capital development, infrastructure, and security as his key priorities, aiming to unseat Soludo. Amidst the escalating political climate, INEC’s Resident Commissioner in Anambra, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, has emphasized the commission’s impartiality, assuring all parties of a level playing field and dismissing allegations of bias. The stage is set for a closely contested election, with the future of Anambra’s governance hanging in the balance.
