By Luchiinter News | November 9, 2025
The people of Anambra State went to the polls today to decide who will lead them for the next four years. The highly anticipated governorship election has drawn national attention, not only because of the state’s political importance but also as a test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the incumbent from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is seeking re-election. His main challengers include Valentine Ozigbo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Andy Uba representing the All Progressives Congress (APC).
🔸 High Voter Turnout Across LGAs
Reports from several polling units indicate a commendable voter turnout across the 21 local government areas of Anambra. From Awka to Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala, and Aguata, voters turned out as early as 7:30 a.m. to exercise their civic rights.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deployed both sensitive and non-sensitive materials on time, ensuring that accreditation and voting started promptly in most centers.
Observers from the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Yiaga Africa confirmed that the process was generally peaceful, though pockets of tension were reported in isolated locations such as Nnewi and Idemili North.
🔸 Allegations of Vote Buying Surface
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, reports of vote buying have overshadowed some parts of the election. According to sources from the Guardian and Daily Post, several political party agents were seen allegedly offering voters between ₦20,000 and ₦30,000 to influence their choice.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who hails from Anambra, publicly condemned the act, describing it as “a serious threat to the integrity of our democracy.” He urged the EFCC and INEC to act swiftly to ensure transparency and accountability.
Eyewitnesses in Onitsha South and Aguata confirmed that some party supporters were apprehended by security agents for alleged financial inducement of voters.
🔸 INEC Commends Voters, Warns Against Fake Results
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra, Dr. Queen Okwuonu, commended citizens for their peaceful participation but cautioned against sharing unverified results on social media.
“We urge voters to remain calm and wait for official announcements. Any premature declaration or falsified result shared online will be treated as electoral misinformation,” she stated.
The Commission also assured the public that its result viewing portal (IReV) is fully operational, allowing citizens to monitor uploaded results in real time.
🔸 Security Presence Tight but Civil
The atmosphere across the state has been calm but heavily monitored by security forces. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, deployed over 12,000 officers to Anambra, including personnel from the army, NSCDC, and DSS.
Police spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi reported that minor disruptions occurred in less than 5% of polling units and were “quickly neutralized without casualties.”
He emphasized that the security agencies’ goal was not intimidation but ensuring safety for voters, officials, and observers alike.
🔸 Reactions from Candidates
Governor Soludo cast his vote at his polling unit in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area. He expressed satisfaction with the process and confidence in victory, saying:
“Anambra people are wise and know who has delivered real progress. Today, they will reaffirm that confidence in the APGA government.”
PDP’s Valentine Ozigbo and YPP’s Ifeanyi Ubah also expressed optimism, calling on INEC to ensure the will of the people is reflected in the final count.
“We will accept the outcome if it reflects the genuine votes of the people,” Ozigbo noted.
🔸 Analysts React: “A Test for Democracy”
Political analysts have described the election as a major test of Nigeria’s electoral credibility after the controversies that followed the 2023 general elections.
Dr. Sam Amadi, a political commentator, observed that the smooth conduct in Anambra could restore public trust in INEC and democratic institutions.
“If this election goes well, it will send a strong message that Nigeria’s democracy is evolving beyond chaos and manipulation,” he said.
🔸 What Next?
As collation continues at various centers across the state, INEC has urged patience. Official results are expected to begin trickling in tonight, with the final declaration anticipated by Monday, November 10, 2025.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors after voting and avoid gatherings that might lead to post-election unrest.
For now, all eyes are on Anambra as Nigerians watch to see if democracy will once again triumph over political desperation and vote trading.
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