As preparations for the 2025 Anambra Governorship election continue to take shape, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that only 12 out of the 19 registered political parties interested in contesting the election have submitted their primary schedules. This development has raised concerns over the readiness of other parties for the forthcoming election.
INEC made this known at its regular meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2025, where it reviewed various aspects of its preparations for the off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State, scheduled to take place on November 8, 2025.
According to a statement from Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission is focused on ensuring that all political parties follow the necessary procedures ahead of the election. Olumekun explained that, as part of the electoral process, political parties must submit detailed schedules for their primary elections, which are critical for selecting their candidates. He further emphasized the importance of the timely submission of these schedules for proper planning and coordination.
The electoral body set the primaries’ dates in accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022. Under the Act, the conduct of primaries is set to begin on March 20, 2025, and will run until April 10, 2025. While 12 parties have already submitted their primary schedules, seven others are yet to do so. INEC reminded these seven parties to submit their schedules as soon as possible.
The importance of adhering to the primary schedule cannot be overemphasized. INEC officials have noted that changes to the agreed dates, venues, or modes of primaries can disrupt the Commission’s planning and cause unnecessary delays. Additionally, such changes can lead to increased costs for monitoring and supervision of the primaries, which could affect the overall election process.
INEC’s statement further pointed out that when political parties deviate from their primary schedules, it leads to the demobilization and remobilization of INEC staff, which could create avoidable challenges for the election body. These disruptions affect the smooth flow of the Commission’s work and may result in higher operational costs, impacting the efficiency of the entire election process.
The Anambra 2025 governorship election is one of the key electoral events scheduled for later in the year. The state is gearing up for a competitive race, with several political parties eyeing the governorship seat. The election, which will take place on November 8, 2025, is seen as crucial for the political landscape of Anambra, as it will determine the leadership of the state for the next four years.
In line with INEC’s efforts to ensure a credible election, the Commission has been in consultation with political parties. In January 2025, INEC held a consultative meeting with all the registered parties to discuss the election process and urge them to comply with the guidelines. It is hoped that all parties will meet the deadline for the submission of their primary schedules to ensure a smooth election process.
INEC’s role in overseeing the primaries is vital. The Commission has the responsibility to monitor the conduct of primaries to ensure they are free and fair, as well as in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. This includes monitoring the transparency of the processes and ensuring that no party manipulates its internal procedures.
Political parties are expected to hold primaries to select their candidates, but these primaries must be organized according to the set rules to ensure fairness. Any deviation from these rules could raise doubts about the legitimacy of the election process, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral system.
As the election date draws nearer, the urgency for all political parties to submit their primary schedules increases. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the remaining parties will comply with INEC’s requirements in time. With less than two months to go before the start of the primaries, political parties must act swiftly to ensure they are ready for the process ahead.
In addition to the primary schedules, INEC is also focused on other aspects of the election process, including voter education and the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters. The Commission has been working with various stakeholders to create awareness about the election and ensure that voters are well-informed about the process.
The success of the Anambra 2025 governorship election will depend largely on the preparation and cooperation of all involved parties. As INEC continues its efforts to ensure a smooth election, it remains to be seen whether all political parties will meet the requirements set by the Commission in time.
For now, the Commission is monitoring developments closely, ensuring that the election process remains on track. As political parties prepare for their primaries, INEC remains committed to its mandate of delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.