The Anambra State governorship election on November 8, 2025, began with low voter turnout and delays in some areas, as reported across polling units. Incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA expressed optimism for victory, while candidates from APC and LP alleged widespread vote buying. Observers noted a generally peaceful process despite these issues.
The Anambra State governorship election commenced at 8:30 a.m. on November 8, 2025, across 21 local government areas, involving 2,802,790 eligible voters at 5,718 polling units. Incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is seeking re-election against challengers including Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and others from 16 parties.
Early reports highlighted low turnout and logistical delays. In Awka South, accreditation started under mango trees at Udeozo Primary School with few voters present; some young men played football nearby, citing past disillusionment. One, Sunday, said, “Our votes have not counted in the past, so what is the essence of voting today?” An elderly voter, 79-year-old Mr. Ogbodo, described the process as “smooth.” In Onitsha South, materials arrived late at 9:15 a.m. at Christ the King College, sparking mild agitation.
Prominent figures voted amid heavy security. Peter Obi, LP's 2023 presidential candidate, cast his ballot at 11:50 a.m. at Polling Unit 019, Agulu Ward 11, Anaocha LGA, after a long wait. He alleged vote buying at ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 per vote, stating, “Democracy is deteriorating in our country.” Ukachukwu voted at 11:45 a.m. in Nnewi South, accusing APGA of “massive vote buying.” Soludo arrived at 1:25 p.m. at Ofiyi Square Polling Unit 002, Isuofia, Aguata LGA, and alleged vote buying by an unnamed opponent from Nnewi South at ₦15,000 per vote. He was optimistic, claiming APGA led in all 21 LGAs.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu voted at 12:25 p.m. in Nnewi North, calling the poll “peaceful and without tangible hitches” and praising INEC. A 96-year-old woman, Elizabeth Onike, was disenfranchised at Obi's unit for lacking her voter's card, weeping in distress.
Movement restrictions from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. quieted Onitsha. Observers like Jake Epelle of TAF Africa noted a calm atmosphere. By evening, INEC uploaded 95% of results to IReV. Early tallies showed APC winning Obi's unit (73 votes to LP's 57, APGA 38); APGA won an Orumba South unit (165 votes) and Moghalu's unit. LP's Moghalu called the election over-policed and marred by vote buying. Observers lamented low turnout and inducements, though CSOs applauded INEC's transparency.
