Anambra 2025: Spotlight on Key Contenders, Voting Trends

Anambra State, a commercial powerhouse in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone, is gearing up for its gubernatorial election on Saturday, November 8, 2025. With a population estimated at over 11 million by the National Population Commission and a history of vibrant but often contentious politics, the state has seen the All-Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) dominate the governorship since 2006, winning four consecutive terms. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 16 political parties have fielded candidates for the November 2025 governorship contest, marking a diverse field of 14 male and two female gubernatorial candidates, aged between 36 and 71 years. No candidates with disabilities were nominated, highlighting ongoing gaps in inclusivity despite the Electoral Act 2022’s emphasis on representation for historically marginalized groups.

This election comes against a backdrop of low voter turnout in past polls, a trend that has plagued the electoral process in the state. Voter turnout in Anambra State’s 2021 gubernatorial election was significantly low, reflecting a concerning trend in electoral participation. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), there were 2,447,053 registered voters, but only 237,362 valid votes were cast. This resulted in a voter turnout of approximately 9.7%, far lower than the 47.22% recorded in the 2003 gubernatorial election, where 878,212 votes were cast out of 1,859,795 registered voters.

The election was won by Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who secured 112,229 votes, representing 46.15% of the total valid votes. The runner-up, Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 53,807 votes (22.14%). Other candidates included Andy Uba from the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 43,285 votes (17.81%), and Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), with 21,261 votes (8.75%).

Supplementary voting in Ihiala LGA, necessitated by violence and irregularities, added 8,283 votes to Soludo’s tally. Historical data from the 2013 election, where APGA’s Willie Obiano won with 260,335 votes (51.16% turnout of 509,050 valid votes), and the 2010 poll (Peter Obi re-elected with 284,547 valid votes at 16.34% turnout), underscore how low participation by voters undermines participation and the notion of democratic accountability. INEC’s final list, published on June 4, 2025, after the primaries period from March 20 to April 10 and nominations closing May 12, reflects substitutions in five parties, including a fresh primary by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Public campaigns began June 11, 2025, and will end November 6, with 5,720 polling units across 21 LGAs.

The state’s 2.4 million registered voters, per INEC’s 2023 figures, face challenges like insecurity from separatist activities and economic pressures, potentially mirroring the 2023 presidential election’s 26.72% national turnout (Anambra-specific data unavailable, but South-East averaged below 30%). According to a Stears Elections analysis of past trends, Anambra’s elections often see APGA sweeping 19-21 LGAs, with opposition fragmented and unable to mount a robust challenge against the ruling party.

This Media Information Literacy (MIL) report profiles key candidates, drawing on verified data from INEC, party records, and historical performance to assess their backgrounds, achievements, and potential impact.

Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) – The Incumbent Economist Seeking Re-Election

Professor Chukwuma Soludo, 65, from Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra South Senatorial Zone, is the current governor of Anambra State and the unopposed candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2025 governorship election. His candidacy was affirmed by 3,168 votes from a total of 3,260 delegates at the party’s primary held in Awka on April 5, 2025 (Punch Nigeria). Soludo, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2004 to 2009, has an impressive academic background, holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Cambridge. He has consulted for international organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and has over 100 publications on monetary policy. Additionally, he served as a member of President Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council in 2019 (Vanguard Nigeria).

Soludos victory in the 2021 Anambra State gubernatorial election was a significant milestone, as he garnered 112,229 votes, securing 46.15% of the vote and winning 19 out of the 21 LGAs (Wikipedia). His leadership during the past four years has focused heavily on infrastructural development, including the completion of the Ekwulobia-Umunneochi Road (120km) and the construction of three flyovers in Onitsha, which significantly reduced travel time by 40%. These infrastructural investments totaled ₦150 billion by 2024 (BusinessDay).

Security improvements have also been notable during Soludos tenure. Crime rates have dropped by 25% from 2021 to 2024, thanks to the Operation Udo Ga Ndi Igbo initiative. However, the government has faced criticism over human rights abuses linked to local security operatives and vigilante groups. A particularly alarming incident in 2024 involved a youth corp member being assaulted and stripped by a local security outfit, leading to public outrage. In response, the state government swiftly relieved the perpetrators of their duties (BusinessDay).

Economically, Anambra State has seen a sharp rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), which grew from ₦24.5 billion in 2021 to ₦45.2 billion in 2024. This increase can be attributed to Soludos tax reforms and youth empowerment programs, which have positively impacted approximately 50,000 young people through the Solution Innovation District. Despite these achievements, challenges remain, including youth unemployment at 15% (as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2024), as well as the 2022 floods that displaced over 200,000 residents (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024) (Wikipedia).

As Soludos administration enters its final stretch, his profile, combined with APGAs historical dominance in the state (winning 80% of seats in the 2021 local government elections), positions him as the frontrunner in the upcoming 2025 election. His running mate, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, a pharmacist and former deputy governor, has been retained to ensure continuity of governance (Wikipedia) (dailytrust.com).

Valentine Chineto Ozigbo (APC) – The Business Leader’s Political Return

Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, 55, hailing from Amesi in Aguata Local Government Area, has emerged as the All-Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2025 Anambra governorship election. Ozigbo, a chartered accountant and tax expert, began his professional journey in the banking sector, working with UBA and Diamond Bank. His excellence was quickly recognized, as he was named Best Staff of the Year in just six months at Diamond Bank (Valiants, 2025).

Ozigbos career progressed rapidly, and he went on to serve as the President/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc from 2019 to 2021, where he spearheaded significant renovations at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, helping elevate the hotel to international acclaim (Valiants, 2025).

In the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Ozigbo ran as the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), securing 53,807 votes (22.3%) and finishing second to Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) (Punch, 2021). Ozigbos performance in the election was notable, particularly in urban areas such as Onitsha, where he garnered strong support.

After his time with PDP, Ozigbo switched allegiance in 2022, joining the Labour Party (LP) to support Peter Obis presidential campaign. However, in February 2025, he left the LP, citing his desire to help steer Anambra to greater heights as a member of the APC (Daily Post, 2025,Punch, 2025). Ozigbos decision to join APC underscores his ambition to bring leadership reforms to the state, positioning him as a dynamic force in Anambra politics.

In addition to his political journey, Ozigbo is also known for his philanthropic work. Through the Valentine Chineto Ozigbo Foundation, he donated over ₦100 million to education in 2024, as well as providing 1,500 WAEC/JAMB fee waivers for underprivileged students (VCO Foundation, 2024). These contributions underscore his commitment to social causes and youth empowerment.

Economically, Anambra States resilience is evident, with a reported 3.46% GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. This growth has been attributed to the states focus on reforms and increased oil output, areas that Ozigbo plans to focus on further if elected (Reuters, 2024).

As the APC candidate, Ozigbo faces challenges from within his own party, as evidenced by the annulment of APCs 2021 primary election results by the Supreme Court. Nonetheless, his cross-party appeal and business acumen are expected to boost his chances, particularly in urban centers like Nnewi, where voter turnout was relatively low in 2021 (Punch, 2021).

George Muoghalu (Labour Party) The Public Servant Challenging the Status Quo

Chief Dr. George Muoghalu, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and ex-National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), clinched the Labour Partys ticket for the November 2025 Anambra governorship election. He won the party primary held on April 5, 2025, at Finotel Hotel, Awka, polling 573 votes against John Nwosu, who secured 19 votes out of 597 total ballots cast (Channels TV, Tribune).

Muoghalu, who defected to the Labour Party in October 2024 after decades in the APC, was formally presented with the certificate of return by the party leadership. He pledged to unify the party structure by bringing together stakeholders, including his primary opponent, to ensure victory in November.

His emergence comes against the backdrop of Labour Partys internal crisis over leadership disputes. In July 2025, a Court of Appeal ruling affirmed Julius Abure’s chairmanship, a development Muoghalu dismissed as a distraction, stressing that the party remained united ahead of the polls (The Guardian).

Despite these challenges, Muoghalu projects confidence, arguing that Labour Partys rising popularity in Anambra will counter the incumbency factor. He insists the trust shown by delegates is a signal that the party is positioned strongly for the coming election.

Other Notable Candidates: Diversity and Emerging Contenders The field includes 13 others, two female candidates: Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC, 42), a lawyer and women’s rights advocate from Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA), and a nominee from the National Rescue Movement (NRM) (aged 45), who holds a Masters in Public Administration. These candidates bring varied perspectives to the table, focusing on issues such as women’s rights and public administration reforms. Despite their strong backgrounds, the NRM has faced challenges, with some of its candidates disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

From the business sector, Donald Chidi Amamgbo (50), an entrepreneur from Nnewi and the All Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, emphasizes anti-corruption measures, a stance resonating with his partys 2021 vote share of 2%. Amamgbo, having joined the race post-primary, focuses on revitalizing the states political integrity (Premium Times, 2025).

After the death of Ifenayi Ubah, Ofobike Oliegbo (45), from Nnewi South, became the Young Progressive Party (YPP) candidate, bringing attention to youth entrepreneurship and the development of small businesses. YPPs notable 2021 performance—garnering 8.75% of the vote indicates a growing appeal among younger voters (Channel TV, 2025).

Another significant player is Chris Uba (71), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, from Uga in Aguata. Uba, known for his prominent political family, faces challenges from opposition parties questioning his candidacy’s adherence to the zoning arrangement that governs the states elections. Despite this, the PDP remains a powerful contender in the race, as evidenced by their strong 2021 showing, securing 22.14% of the vote.

Meanwhile, the Zoning to Anambra South (a practice implemented since 2021 for equity in the states leadership) ensures that key candidates such as Nnamdi Ezike (55), from Orumba South, and candidates from minor parties like the Boot Partys nominee continue to push rural development as a primary agenda.

A critical aspect of the election is voter turnout, which has fluctuated significantly in recent elections. The 2021 election saw a dismal turnout of just 10%, compared to 51% in 2013, indicating potential challenges in engaging voters this cycle. However, with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which will be deployed across 5,720 polling units, INEC aims to ensure a more credible election, aiming to curb electoral fraud.

The 2025 race will also be shaped by economic factors, with Anambra States GDP estimated at ₦2.5 trillion, highlighting the importance of addressing the 18% poverty rate among voters. With such a high economic stake, the candidates must focus on policies aimed at economic development and poverty reduction.

Additionally, campaign advertising in the state is expected to be a costly affair, with fees set at ₦50 million by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) for political campaigns, placing further financial strain on opposition candidates (Punch, 2025).

Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO): Media Information Literacy (MIL) Series

 Edited by Armsfree Ajanaku, Executive Director: aajanaku@grassrootsorientation.org

Report by Daniel Otera, Communications Officer: dotera@grassrootsorientation.org