Today, over 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra State will cast their ballots to determine who governs the state for the next four years.

This election marks the first governorship poll overseen by the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23. Observers have described the exercise as a critical test of INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections and implement meaningful electoral reforms.

INEC reported that 2,802,790 voters are eligible to participate, including 140,370 newly registered voters across the state’s 326 wards. With about 98.8% of Permanent Voter Cards collected, the main candidates contesting include Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Dr. George Moghalu (Labour Party), John Nwosu (ADC), Jude Ezenwafor (PDP), and Sir Paul Chukwuma (YPP), challenging incumbent Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (APGA). A total of 16 parties fielded governorship candidates, including two women.

INEC confirmed that all 5,718 polling units opened at 8:30 a.m., with 6,879 BVAS devices configured and over 24,000 trained ad hoc staff deployed. Distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials began Thursday at the Central Bank of Nigeria office in Awka under heavy security supervision.

Security Measures and Voting Logistics

The Anambra State Police Command announced a total restriction of vehicular movement from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, applicable to all forms of motorized transport. Exceptions are made only for INEC officials, accredited journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and essential service providers. The restriction aims to prevent the movement of political thugs and other actors who may disrupt the electoral process.

INEC Chairman Amupitan confirmed that four National Commissioners and ten Resident Electoral Commissioners from other states are in Anambra to supervise the election. Security arrangements include safe voting provisions for six registration areas in Ihiala LGA facing security challenges. Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle reported that security personnel deployed for the election increased from 45,000 to 55,000 to ensure voter and staff safety.

Ahead of the polls, INEC’s state headquarters in Awka was heavily secured, with barricades and armored vehicles deployed to protect sensitive electoral materials and personnel.

Election Monitoring and Party Positions

Multiple election monitoring groups, including the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), have set up situation rooms. CTA deployed 50 observers, while CDD-West Africa trained and accredited 178 observers across the state’s 21 LGAs. The police have deployed Deputy Inspector General Benjamin Okolo to oversee all security personnel during the election.

APC’s state publicity secretary, Okelo Madukaife, expressed confidence in INEC but warned against non-state actors influencing the process. APGA’s Mazi Ejimofor Opara called for high voter turnout, noting that the party aims for at least one million votes. Both parties confirmed readiness for a peaceful poll.

Voter Preparations

Residents took advantage of the work-free day on Friday to stock up on supplies ahead of the vehicular movement restriction. Markets in Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, Ekwulobia, and Awka were busy, while motor parks and petrol stations saw heavy traffic. Hotels across the state were fully booked, accommodating observers, journalists, party supporters, and voters, all under heightened security presence.

Key Battlegrounds

Anambra North, where YPP candidate Sir Paul Chukwuma hails from, is expected to be competitive, with voters potentially split between APGA and APC. Anambra Central, the most populous zone, has emerged as a contest between APGA and APC, while Anambra South—home to four major candidates—is expected to witness a divided vote.

Flashpoints Identified

Yiaga Africa has highlighted Orumba North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, Ihiala, Nnewi South, and Aguata as areas requiring special security attention. Dr. Asmau Maikudi, Chair of the 2025 Anambra Election Mission, emphasized that electoral credibility will depend on logistical efficiency, integrity in procedures, and impartiality of security agencies.

Voters across Anambra are heading to the polls today amid tight security and heightened anticipation, with the outcome expected to shape the state’s political landscape for the next four years.