As Nigeria gears up for another off-cycle election, all attentions are gradually shifting to how Anambra citizens will decide their fate for another four years in the forthcoming Anambra gubernatorial race, scheduled for November 8, 2025. While the race to ‘The Light House Awka’ is taking shape, many believe the contest will be competitive due to prominent candidates vying for the exalted seat.

Anambra, popularly known as Light of the Nation, is one of the country’s most politically and economically influential states in the Southeast geopolitical zone. Known for its vibrant commercial hubs, such as Onitsha and Nnewi, its rich cultural heritage, and a history of competitive politics, Anambra’s gubernatorial race often attract national attention due to the state’s strategic importance and the influence of its political actors, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Historically, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has governed Anambra since 2006, starting with Peter Obi’s tenure (2006–2014), followed by Willie Obiano (2014–2022), and currently Charles Soludo (2022–present). APGA’s stronghold is rooted in its appeal as an Igbo-centric party, leveraging regional identity and grassroots support.

Background

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, gubernatorial elections in most states are typically held simultaneously with general elections every four years. However, Anambra is one of the eight states that conduct their elections separately in what is called ‘off-cycle elections.’

In Nigeria, off-cycle elections are as a result of various factors, including electoral disputes and court rulings that annul elections or mandate reruns, unforeseen political crises such as candidate deaths, and constitutional challenges related to irregularities in the electoral process.

For Anambra, the trend can be traced back to as far as March 2006 when Chris Ngige of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was inaugurated on the 26th of May 2003, as the state’s new governor, was removed from office. This follows a petition to the tribunal by Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to challenge the result that initially declared Ngige the winner.

The tribunal, which lasted for two years, eventually annulled the election. Consequently, Obi was sworn in as the new governor in 2006, altering the state’s election schedule and resulting in off-cycle polls every four years in Anambra.

Key Contenders and Their Chances

Ahead of Anambra gubernatorial race in November, Tribune Online profiles the top five contenders to watch, considering their political profiles, party strength, and influence in the state, among other factors.

1. Charles Chukwuma Soludo (APGA)

Incumbent governor since 2021, former CBN Governor, and a prominent economist from Aguata LGA (Anambra South), Soludo secured the APGA ticket unopposed with 3,168 out of 3,175 valid votes from 3,260 accredited delegates across all 21 LGs.

Alongside his running mate, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Soludo is forecasted to benefit from the power of incumbency, with control over state resources and visibility through governance.

Mr. Solution, as he is fondly called, may also leverage APGA’s historical dominance and zoning alignment as part of his campaign strategy ahead of the November 8 poll. With the electioneering ongoing, Soludo’s campaign focus on infrastructure and security achievements could resonate in LGAs like Awka South, Nnewi North, and Anaocha. However, failure to address insecurity and rural neglect could erode support in LGs like Ihiala and Ogbaru. APGA Media Warriors claim Soludo’s record makes him unbeatable, but this may overstate his position given rising opposition.

2. George Moghalu (LP)

Moghalu is a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected to the Labour Party in October 2024. As a seasoned politician from Anambra South, he leverages the “Peter Obi effect” from the 2023 elections, where LP dominated Anambra’s presidential vote.

Anambra is Peter Obi’s country home, and his 2023 presidential campaign galvanised LP support, particularly in urban LGs like Onitsha, Awka, and Idemili North/South. Moghalu could ride this wave, appealing to youth and urban voters. As an Anambra South candidate, Moghalu aligns with the zoning sentiment, potentially consolidating votes in LGs like Aguata and Orumba North/South. He is another strong candidate to watch in the Anambra gubernatorial race.

3. Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC)

A businessman and former House of Representatives member (1999–2003) from Anambra South, Ukachukwu won the APC primary with 1,455 votes, defeating Valentine Ozigbo (67 votes), Johnbosco Onunkwo (26 votes), and Edozie Madu (8 votes).

He is a prominent figure in Anambra politics with a history of contesting under APGA in 2021. As the candidate of the ruling APC at the centre, Ukachukwu has access to federal resources and support from national figures like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; 23 APC governors and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who emerged after his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje had vowed to capture Anambra. This could boost campaign funding and mobilization in LGs like Onitsha and Nnewi. Ukachukwu’s tenure as Abuja Municipal Area Council chairman and his infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives in Anambra South give him credibility in the race.

4. Ezenwafor Jude (PDP)

Jude Ezenwafor, an Abuja-based real estate developer and experienced politician, emerged as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate unopposed on April 8, 2025, securing 798 votes from 853 accredited delegates at the primary held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka.

The PDP standard-bearer is running for the highest political office in Anambra alongside Okeke Francis Chukwudi. Ezenwafor, a former South-East PDP Media Director, emphasizes a vision to “salvage” Anambra through inclusive development, focusing on education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security.

The July 2025 shooting incident, labelled by the PDP as an assassination attempt on Ezenwafor, could garner sympathy and increase his visibility, particularly in LGs like Dunukofia, where PDP has historical influence through figures like Arthur Eze.

5. Nwosu Chima John (ADC)

John Chuma Nwosu, an IT expert, global business entrepreneur, and CEO of Jetlinks Limited, emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s gubernatorial candidate on May 23, 2025, after winning the party’s primary in Awka.

Previously a Labour Party (LP) aspirant, Nwosu withdrew from LP’s primary, citing irregularities and leadership crises, joining ADC to pursue his “SHEEEMS” platform (Security, Health, Education, Economy, Employment, Manufacturing, Social Welfare). The ADC standard-bearer has picked Geoffrey Ndubisi Nwobu as his running mate.

Nwosu, from Nnewi in Anambra South, positions himself as a forward-thinking leader aiming to transform Anambra into a digital economy hub. Nwosu’s ADC candidacy offers a fresh, tech-driven vision for Anambra, with potential to attract urban voters in Onitsha and Nnewi through his digital economy focus and coalition strategy. However, ADC’s ’emerging’ grassroots structure in the state, his defection from LP, and competition from Soludo’s incumbency, Moghalu’s “Obi effect,” and Ukachukwu’s resources could give Nwosu a tough fight in the race. (Nigerian Tribune)