- Safiu Kehinde
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released Anambra gubernatorial election timetable while collection of Permanent Voters’ Card for Ondo poll commences.
This was disclosed by the electoral body’s Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, at the consultative meeting held with the political parties on Thursday.
According to Yakubu, Anambra governorship election will be due by next year November as Chukkwuma Soludo’s tenure will expire by 17th March 2026.
Meanwhile, as contained in the timetable, Anambra election is slated for 8th November, 2025 while party primaries will hold between 20th March to 10th April 2025.
However, the formal notice of the election will be published on 13th November 2024 in compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days prior notification.
“Even as we prepare for the Ondo State Governorship election, we are always mindful of our responsibilities for elections and electoral activities.
“For instance, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the Commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of the election. This applies to the General as well as Off-Cycle governorship elections.
“As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.
“Consequently, the Commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.
“In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00pm on 12th May 2025.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025. Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025.
“Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025. In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting. Hard copies will also be made available to you shortly.” Yakubu said
He, however, urged the political parties to use the INEC Timetable to come up with their own Timetable and Schedule of Activities.
“I urge political parties to use the INEC Timetable to come up with your own Timetable and Schedule of Activities to enable us work together and plan better for the deployment of personnel and resources for the monitoring of your party primaries and campaign activities.
“By doing so, you will avoid the last minute rush with the attendant inability to meet deadlines. We will discuss this important matter at this meeting.” He added.