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Awka Anambra State
The 2025 Anambra governorship election kicked off amid high expectations, but early results from polling units show a complex picture of low voter turnout, allegations of vote-buying, and scattered wins across major political parties.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that Anambra has 2,802,790 registered voters, distributed across 21 local government areas and over 5,700 polling units. Of this figure, women represent 51.03 percent, while men account for 48.97 percent. Students make up the largest group of voters, followed by traders and businesspersons.
However, despite this impressive registration figure, turnout across several polling units was significantly low, raising concerns about voter apathy and public confidence in the electoral system.
Low Turnout Dampens Enthusiasm
At several polling units across the state, including parts of Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka, officials reported a disappointing turnout. For instance, in one polling unit in Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi North Local Government Area, only 86 of 463 registered voters were accredited as of the afternoon.
Observers noted that poor voter turnout was largely due to delayed arrival of INEC officials and materials in some areas. The late start affected the enthusiasm of voters who had arrived early in the morning but waited for hours before accreditation began.
Despite the hiccups, voting eventually proceeded in most centres, with results trickling in during the late hours of the day.
Vote-Buying Allegations Emerge
One of the major issues that marred the process was the rampant cases of vote-buying reported in several locations. Some voters and party agents accused opponents of offering money in exchange for votes.
At a polling unit in Nnewi, one agent lamented that “voters are asking for money before they can vote,” describing the situation as discouraging for candidates who refused to engage in such practices.
Although security agents were seen at several centres, reports indicated that many of the transactions were discreetly carried out, often away from the polling queues.
The recurring allegations of inducement have once again reignited national conversations about the deep-rooted problem of vote-buying in Nigerian elections.
Early Results Show Mixed Fortunes for Major Parties
Early polling unit results suggest a competitive race, with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) maintaining dominance in several wards, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) made notable showings in pockets of the state.
In Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi North LGA, the APGA candidate scored 57 votes, while the LP polled 22 and the APC garnered 14.
In Okpunueze Central School, Nnewi North, APGA also led with 126 votes, followed by APC with 16 votes, and LP with 13 votes.
In Onitsha North LGA, early tallies showed APGA leading with significant margins. At one polling unit in Ward 7, APGA secured 134 votes, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) trailed with 18 votes and APC followed with 14 votes.
In another unit within the same ward, APGA again took the lead with 120 votes, APC had 49, YPP got 20, and LP managed only 1.
A major highlight of the early results came from Nnewi South LGA, where the APC candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, won his polling unit by a wide margin. He scored 108 votes, while the incumbent governor and APGA flagbearer, Charles Soludo, managed only 4 votes. Two votes were declared invalid.
Ukachukwu’s victory in his home unit was symbolic and boosted morale within APC ranks, as it indicated the possibility of the party gaining ground in an area traditionally dominated by APGA.
Key Observations and Implications
From the initial data, several key insights emerge:
- APGA’s Local Dominance Persists:
The ruling party continues to perform strongly in most of its strongholds, especially in Onitsha, Nnewi, and parts of Awka. - APC Gains Ground:
The win by Nicholas Ukachukwu at his home unit shows that the APC has begun to consolidate support in certain communities that previously leaned toward APGA. - Labour Party Underperforms:
Despite expectations of youth-driven enthusiasm, the LP trailed behind in most polling units. The low turnout and absence of robust mobilization may have contributed to the disappointing numbers. - Vote-Buying Threatens Credibility:
The numerous reports of inducement raise questions about the transparency of the process and the ability of INEC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws effectively. - Voter Apathy Remains a Challenge:
The poor turnout underscores a persistent lack of trust in the political system. Many voters expressed frustration that their votes may not count or that the process would be manipulated.
INEC and Security Agencies Urged to Act
Civil society organizations and election observers have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold transparency throughout collation and ensure that results reflect the true will of the people.
They also called on security agencies to investigate cases of vote-buying and electoral misconduct to discourage future violations.
INEC officials, however, commended the peaceful conduct in most polling stations, noting that despite initial delays, voting concluded smoothly in the majority of locations.
Voices from the Field
Some voters who participated described the process as fair but criticized the delays in accreditation and counting. One voter in Onitsha said, “We came as early as 7 a.m., but INEC officials arrived past 9. Some people left out of frustration.”
Another voter in Nnewi praised the process, saying, “The voting went peacefully. Everyone voted freely, and the counting was done in the open. I hope INEC will upload the results correctly.”
For many citizens, the key expectation remains that the electoral umpire will handle collation transparently and announce results that reflect the actual votes cast.
Awaiting Official Collation
While early polling unit results are still trickling in, full collation at ward and local government levels will determine the eventual outcome. Observers emphasize that the process must remain open, fair, and transparent.
Stakeholders are also monitoring how the leading candidates from APGA, APC, PDP, and LP respond to early trends. The credibility of the election will depend largely on how both winners and losers handle the results once they are officially declared.
Conclusion
The 2025 Anambra governorship election reflects both progress and persistent challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey. While voting was largely peaceful, low voter turnout, allegations of vote-buying, and logistical delays tainted what could have been a model election.
As INEC proceeds with collation and final announcements, the focus remains on ensuring fairness, integrity, and transparency. The credibility of this election will serve as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening democracy at the sub-national level.
If managed properly, Anambra can once again demonstrate that credible elections are achievable but if irregularities persist, the process risks further eroding public confidence in electoral institutions.
