The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun announcing the final results of the 2025 Anambra governorship election after collating returns from all 21 local government areas at its state headquarters in Awka. The process commenced around 2:08 a.m. on Sunday, with party agents present to observe and raise objections where necessary.
Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, the returning officer must combine results from all LGAs before declaring a winner. To be elected, a candidate must not only secure the highest number of votes but also earn at least 25 per cent of ballots cast in no fewer than two-thirds of the state’s LGAs—meaning at least 14 out of 21. Sixteen political parties participated in the contest.
The major contenders include incumbent governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP).
So far, APGA maintains a strong lead in several LGAs. In Dunukofia, APGA recorded 14,892 votes out of 21,102 valid ballots, while APC followed with 3,284. Njikoka produced similar momentum for APGA with 22,213 votes against APC’s 5,687. Awka North also leaned heavily toward the ruling party, giving APGA 15,895 votes. In Aguata, the incumbent’s home base, APGA secured 35,559 votes out of 43,068 valid votes. Oyi showed a more competitive spread, but APGA still led with 18,882 votes, followed by APC’s 5,118 and LP’s 3,641.
Turnout across many LGAs remained modest despite the large number of registered voters. Observers noted that the process was largely peaceful but not without reports of vote-buying and logistical setbacks.
INEC will announce the eventual winner after completing the tally from all LGAs. The final declaration will depend on both the highest vote count and the constitutional spread required by law.
