Anambra heads to the polls tomorrow, November 8, in a crucial off-cycle governorship election that will decide the state’s political direction for the next four years. Over 2.8 million registered voters are expected at 5,718 polling units across 21 local government areas as voting begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes by 2:30 p.m.
The election marks the first major test for the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. The commission has deployed upgraded BVAS 2.0 devices and will transmit results to the IReV portal in real time. Only Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accepted, with collection ending November 2.
Although 16 candidates are on the ballot, the race is widely seen as a four-way battle among Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Two women, Chioma Ifemeludike of the AAC and another female contender add a historic note, while six parties feature women as deputy candidates.
Soludo, seeking re-election, is banking on his record of infrastructure and social reforms: 450 kilometres of roads, free antenatal care, free schooling for junior students, and prompt salary payments. His slogan, “Anambra ga-adi mma ọzọ” (Anambra will be better again), echoes across markets and schools, reinforcing his image as a results-driven technocrat.
Ukachukwu, a billionaire businessman running alongside former Senator Uche Ekwunife, promises to leverage federal connections to transform the state into an industrial hub with agro-cities and modern airports. His deep pockets and vast campaign machinery make him Soludo’s biggest challenger.
Moghalu draws strength from the “Obidient” movement that swept the South-East in 2023. Backed by Peter Obi’s loyal base, he presents a five-point plan centred on security, jobs, health, education, and infrastructure. PDP’s Ezenwafor, meanwhile, hopes to revive the party’s old grassroots network, particularly in Anambra East and Ogbaru.
Security is a central concern. Following a peace accord signed on November 3, over 34,000 police officers, soldiers, and civil defence operatives will be deployed statewide, with gunboats patrolling riverine areas and helicopters hovering over Onitsha and Awka. Voters are advised to avoid using phones inside polling booths, wearing campaign materials, or clustering after voting ends.
Turnout remains the biggest variable. Only 10 percent of voters participated in the 2021 election. To boost participation, Friday was declared a public holiday, while churches and town unions are mobilising youths to return home to vote. Analysts say a turnout above 800,000 could secure Soludo’s re-election, while a figure below 500,000 may tilt the race toward his challengers.
Key battlegrounds include Idemili North, Awka South, and Ogbaru home to nearly 650,000 voters combined. The winner must secure the highest number of votes and at least 25 percent in two-thirds of the LGAs to claim outright victory.
By nightfall on Saturday, Anambra should know its next governor. Whether APGA consolidates its dominance, APC breaks new ground, LP capitalises on its momentum, or PDP resurges, the outcome will echo far beyond the state’s borders signalling the mood of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.
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