Anambra Guber: Over 2.7m voters to decide as Soludo, Ukachukwu, 14 others battle Today

The candidates of 16 political parties will today compete for the votes of 2,769,137 eligible voters in the Anambra State governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that out of 2,802,790 registered voters in the state, 2,769,137 have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing a 98.8 percent collection rate.

A total of 33,653 cards remain uncollected ahead of the polls, which will take place across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas.

Idemili North leads with the highest number of collected PVCs, recording 246,318 voters.

This election marks the first major test for the new INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who announced that about 24,000 ad hoc staff would be deployed for the exercise.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election security, CP Abayomi Shogunle, assured residents of adequate security. Speaking on Channels Television, he said individuals attempting to disrupt the process have been neutralized and confirmed that an intra- and inter-state curfew took effect from midnight.

The 16 cleared candidates include Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC); George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP); John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Others are Paul Chukwuma (YPP), Charles Onyeze (Accord Party), Geoff Onyejegbu (NNPP), Echezona Oti (APM), Chioma Ifemeludike (AAC), Jeff Nweke (AA), Vincent Chukwurah (SDP), Chukwudubem Nweke (APP), Jerry Okeke (Boot Party), Ndidi Olieh (NRM), and Martin Ugwoji (ZLP).

Governor Soludo’s tenure is expected to end in March 2026. He won the 2021 governorship election with 112,229 votes, defeating Valentine Ozigbo of the PDP, who scored 53,807 votes.

Security agencies have deployed 55,000 personnel, including officers from the police, DSS, NDLEA, and Immigration Service, to maintain order. Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, and Idemili North have been identified as potential flashpoints.

Despite high PVC collection rates, voter apathy remains a concern. In the 2021 governorship poll, only 253,388 out of 2.46 million registered voters were accredited, and 241,523 votes were valid.

Political analysts say the contest appears to favor the incumbent, with Soludo seen as the frontrunner amid a divided opposition. His APGA structure remains strong across the state, while the opposition parties face internal divisions and zoning challenges.

Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, leader of the Anambra State caucus in the House of Representatives, has warned Soludo and APGA against intimidating voters. He urged citizens to vote according to their conscience, stressing that democracy thrives on free choice.

As polling begins, issues such as security, infrastructure, education, and economic growth dominate voter concerns, while the credibility of the electoral process and turnout will determine the eventual outcome.

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