Youths jubilating at APCs Ukochukwu home for wining in his polling unit
Drama as voters protest over missing result sheet
‘I will win if votes count’ – Soludo declares, accuses opponents of vote-buying
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has just voted in his polling, Ofiyi Square, Polling Unit 002, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area.
Soludo voted at exactly 1:25 pm. He arrived the polling unit and was quickly accredited and he went on to cast his vote.
Meanwhile, over 400 voters are still waiting to vote at the centre. The delay is as a result of the fact that only one BVAS machine was made available to the centre.
Meanwhile, the governor who spoke to journalists, said he was confident of victory.
He said he has heard that his opponents were buying votes, adding that he is confident of winning the election if the votes count.
He said: “The election has been relatively peaceful and going on very peacefully, except for some places where we have gotten reports of difficulty.
“We have witnessed glitches here and there, like some polling units in Olumbanasa where the BVAS were not working very well. We have also received reports about Nnewi South Local Government Area, where someone was sharing N15,000 for votes, maybe because he is desperate to win in that local government.
“I heard it and I said, don’t mind. Even if they share N100,000, let the people just vote and let the votes count. We are fairly convinced that on the basis of one man one vote, we are going to win landslide, there is not question about that.”
The All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, has cast his vote, alleging vote buying and intimidation of his party’s agents in the ongoing 2025 Anambra governorship election.
Ukachukwu, who voted at his polling unit in Osumenyi Ward 2, Polling Unit 012, described the development as a threat to democracy.
“If there’s no seller, there cannot be a buyer. Some people have chosen to sell their conscience, which is even worse than those buying votes.
“When you give up your right for money, you lose your voice as a citizen. You can’t cry later, society must be blamed for encouraging this,” the APC candidate said after casting his vote.
He added that one of his agents was assaulted during the voting exercise.
When asked about the situation in Ihiala, one of the state’s flashpoints, Ukachukwu said there had been no major violence or casualties so far.
Meanwhile, the election has caused traffic disruptions in Onitsha, as security officials cordoned off the Niger Bridge to restrict movement and ensure the safe transport of election materials and personnel.
Voting continues across Anambra’s 21 local government areas, with over 5,700 polling units open. By 8:30 a.m., accreditation and voting had commenced peacefully in areas such as Fegge Community Primary School, Onitsha.
Anambra election: Soludo arrives polling unit
The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has arrived his polling unit, Ofiyi Square, Polling Unit 002, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
Soludo arrived at 1:15 pm, joining a large number of voters who are yet to get accreditation before voting.
The unit has the largest voting strength in the local government with 933 voters.
As at 1:00 pm when DAILY POST arrived at the polling unit, no fewer that 400 voters were patiently waiting as the process delayed due the provision of only one BVAS machine.
Senator Nwoye casts vote, praises security operatives for maintaining peace
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, has cast his vote in Nsugbe Ward 1, in Anambra East Local Government Area.
Nwoye, who was among the early voters, told reporters he was unimpressed with the voter turnout. He said that preliminary reports he is getting across the state indicate that there may be voter apathy.
The Senator commended the efforts of security operatives and praised the electorate for maintaining calm and order in the course of the voting process.
At Odubo Polling Unit 006, Nteje, there was a heavy presence of security operatives, yet reports of voter influence by party agents persisted.
Party representatives were seen strategically positioned near the polling booth, whispering to voters and allegedly urging them to display their ballot papers after thumbprinting; a move suspected to be linked to financial inducement.
Surprisingly, security agents at the scene appeared indifferent to the conduct, watching as the interactions unfolded.
As of 11:15 a.m., a long queue of voters was still waiting patiently to cast their ballots, even as the atmosphere remained tense but calm.
Large voter turn out at Peter Obi’s polling units in Agulu
A visit to the polling units of the former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election has shown a large voter turnout.
The voters, who were mainly aged women, were seen sitting patiently at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 2, Anaocha Local Government Area.
The women waited patiently while INEC officials accredited voters who proceeded to the voting point.
Some voters at the polling units applauded the turnout, saying that more people might still arrive at the unit.
Voting going on smoothly at about 9:23 am in PU:013, Registration Area14:umeleri II, all in Anambra East LG
Only APGA, APC present agents in most Awka polling units
Two political parties, whose candidates are deemed to be the top contenders in today’s governorship election in Anambra, have proven to be truly dominant in the state by presenting agents in most of the polling units visited.
In most polling units around the state capital, Awka, only the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had their party agents on the ground.
At Awka Ward VI, polling units 010, 024, and 025, which are domiciled at Federal Government Technical College (GTC), only the two parties presented agents.
While Mr. John Morah identified himself as an agent of the APC, APGA was represented by Mr. Chukwuma Anekwe.
Voting going on smoothly at about 9:23 am in PU:013, Registration Area14:umeleri II, all in Anambra East LG
Anambra Decides: Vote commences in polling units
The Anambra State governorship election has commenced in some polling units.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC posted an update from some polling units in the Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.
The post reads, “Voting has commenced at RA 10: Enugwu Ukwu II, PU 003 & PU 004, Njikoka LGA”.
The commission had earlier assured eligible voters participating in the election that their votes will count.
“Be counted, be heard. Step out and vote peacefully. Every vote must count”, the electoral umpire wrote.
It also warned against vote selling, saying “your vote is not for sale.”
INEC officials Arrive in Awka as voting gets underway
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have finally arrived at some polling units in Awka, the state capital, for today’s election.
At Agu Awka, polling units 008 and 022 at Aroma, Awka South Local Government Area, shouts of victory were heard from expected voters.
Officials are already pasting the names of eligible voters in preparation for the commencement of voting.
Despite assurances that voting would commence at 8 a.m. on Saturday, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not arrived at polling units in Awka as of 8:30 a.m.
A visit to Agu Awka polling units 008 and 022 at Aroma Junction, just a few meters from the INEC headquarters, showed that officials were yet to arrive.
An accredited observer of INEC from JDPC, a non-governmental organization run by the Catholic Church, Mr. Charles Kwentoh, expressed disappointment at the delay, despite earlier assurances that voting would begin at 8 a.m.
The Anambra off-circle governorship election will be held today, Saturday, November 8, 2025.
Anambra is one of the eight states where elections are held outside of the general election timetable.
Among those states are Bayelsa, Kogi, Anambra, Imo, Osun, Ondo, Edo, and Ekiti.
Anambra joined in off-circle governorship election in 2003 after the court sacked Chris Ngige, a candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who was declared the winner of the state governorship election and installed Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, after a two-year tribunal case at the Court of Appeal in Enugu.
About sixteen candidates have been listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to run for this year’s election.
Onyeeze Chidi – A
Nweke Ezechukwu – Japhet – AA
Ifemeludike Chioma Grace – AAC
Nwosu Chima John – ADC
Ukachukwu Nicholas – APC
Soludo Charles – APGA
Otti Cyprian Echezona – APM.
Nweke Christopher
Chukwudubem – APP
Okeke Chika Jerry – BP
Moghalu George – LP
Onyejgbu Geoffrey – NNPP
Ndidi Christy Olieh – NRM
Ezenwafor Jude – PDP
Chukwurah Vincent – SDP
Chukwuma Paul Chukwuka -YPP and last but not the least,
Ugwoji Uchenna – ZLP
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Amupitan, on several occasions reaffirmed the Commission’s total readiness for the Anambra State Governorship.
He said that the Commission has deployed a total of 24,000 personnel for the polls and that election will hold in 5,718 of the 5720 PUs, citing lack of voters at the two PUs left out.
The incumbent governor, Soludo, remains a major contender in the governorship race.
Follow this thread for updates and results of the Anambra State governorship election.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has vowed to support President Bola Tinubu until 2031.
The organisation declared its support in a statement issued over the weekend by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Chinenyeze Ohia.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for the completion of all significant projects in the South-East zone ahead of 2027 elections.
The group hailed Tinubu for his decision to appoint David Umahi to serve as Minister of Works, noting that this marks the first instance in 74 years, since 1951, that an Igbo individual has held the vital position.
Ohanaeze said that for the temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar coastal Highway, Umahi has distinguished himself.
The organisation said, “Without hesitation, we, the Ndigbo, declare forthrightly: for the first time since 2015, we are witnessing a political landscape where all five Southeast Governors, all five Igbo Ministers, and the entire Southeast region stand unwaveringly loyal to President Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.
“In recognition of the recent temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on the 12th of December 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges this remarkable achievement.
“It is a significant milestone that enhances festive season travel and provides much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians, particularly commuters in Lagos.
“The year 2025 has been characterised by an unprecedented transparency in governance, exemplified by the Federal Government’s proactive engagement of the nation’s anti-graft agencies, the EFCC and the ICPC.
“Their audits of financial transactions and contractor performances have paved the way for timely payments and enforced accountability, thereby reinforcing adherence to contractual agreements between the Federal Government and both domestic and foreign contractors.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Federal Government to create opportunities in 2026 for local Nigerian contractors to compete on an equitable basis with foreign counterparts.
“As we reflect on the substantial infrastructural investment of 1.5 trillion Naira, directed toward road projects in the Southeast region, we commend President Tinubu for his unparalleled benevolence,” it further stated.
The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied allegations that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa distributed N10,000 handouts to residents during his visit to the Akoko area on Monday.
The Peoples Democratic Party, through its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, claimed the governor shared cash and tokens with people in the four local government areas of Akoko.
The PDP stated, “At this point in his tenure, the governor ought to be embarking on a statewide commissioning tour of completed projects rather than parading communities to share N10,000 handouts and token gestures that insult the dignity of the people of Ondo State. Our people are not beggars, and Ondo State is not a charity home.
“After two years in office, the governor must account for the billions of naira that have accrued to the state, including federal allocations, internally generated revenue, and special intervention funds.
“What Ondo people deserve are functional schools, equipped hospitals, motorable roads, job opportunities, and a revitalised economy, not envelopes and handouts meant to mask governance failure.”
Reacting, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the governor’s visit did not involve charity or serve as a substitute for governance.
He explained that such tours were a longstanding democratic tradition, allowing elected leaders to engage citizens, listen to concerns, assess projects, and express appreciation for public support.
Otaloro added, “Contrary to the PDP’s claims, this administration has not reduced governance to handouts or optics.
“The modest support extended to vulnerable citizens during the tour must be understood within the broader framework of social intervention and compassionate governance, particularly in a period of national economic adjustment.
“A government that acknowledges hardship and provides relief alongside long-term development planning is acting responsibly, not insultingly.
“On project delivery and fiscal accountability, the APC-led government has nothing to hide. Since assuming office, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has prioritised continuity, fiscal prudence, and the orderly execution of inherited and newly initiated projects.
“Across education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and urban renewal, projects are at various stages of execution, many of which are verifiable on the ground.
“The opposition’s blanket claim that projects are below 20 per cent completion is not only inaccurate but intellectually dishonest.
“It is also disingenuous for the PDP to suddenly assume the posture of defenders of civil servants, pensioners, and public infrastructure.
“Ondo people are well aware of the legacy of abandoned projects, unpaid entitlements, and policy inconsistency that characterised PDP administrations in the state.”
Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, December 15, 2025, began a statewide tour of local government areas to thank the people at the grassroots.
The tour started with the four Akoko local government areas of Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Akoko South-East and Akoko South-West, where the governor thanked residents for their support and galvanised backing for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
“I am here to greet you and thank you. Some people say politicians do not return after elections. I have no election now. I only came to appreciate you all for your support for my administration,” he said during the visit.
The national leadership of the Accord Party has accused opposition elements in Osun State of sponsoring what it described as a “charade” aimed at hijacking the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election, following the conduct of a disputed parallel primary in the state.
The National Publicity Secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
While emphasising that the exercise was illegal and unauthorised, Omorogbe claimed the parallel primary in Osun was staged by some fun-seeking fellows making a mockery of the nation’s democracy.”
He said, “Those behind the exercise were sponsored by some opposition figures in the state who are jittery of the emergence of the action Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke, as the flag bearer of Accord.”
The party spokesman noted that the alleged attempt to create confusion was short-lived, as the Independent National Electoral Commission promptly distanced itself from the exercise.
“The sham those political hirelings staged to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public has been swiftly disowned by the Independent National Electoral Commission as null, void, and of no effect in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
“Accord will not dissipate energy responding to frivolities from jokers and political nomads roaming the democratic space in search of elusive greener pastures,” Omorogbe said.
According to him, they were happy the electoral umpire made it clear that the commission was “not aware of the kangaroo exercise aimed at confusing the state that has been peaceful, stable, and safe for citizens since Adeleke assumed office.”
Reaffirming the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, the spokesman said the governor remained focused on governance rather than political intrigues.
“As a compassionate leader, Governor Adeleke is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the good people of Osun State and will not be distracted by the antics of the main opposition party in the state,” he said.
He described Adeleke as “a man of the people and the only leader citizens trust and followed him to Accord, the platform that will protect their interests and well-being.”
Omorogbe concluded with a call for unity, urging members and supporters to “remain in one accord for unity, stability, security, and prosperity.”
The statement comes barely 24 hours after INEC publicly disowned a factional governorship primary reportedly conducted by a group claiming to be members of the Accord Party in Osun State.
On Sunday, the faction was said to have held a primary election in Osogbo, the state capital, which reportedly produced Bamigbola Clement as its candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.
The exercise reportedly featured the accreditation of delegates and the presence of armed police operatives at the venue.
Bamigbola, who was presented as the sole aspirant, confirmed his emergence, saying, “It is true. We had our primary, and I emerged as the consensus candidate.”
However, INEC swiftly distanced itself from the exercise.
The PUNCH reported the commission’s Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode, as saying the electoral body was only aware of one Accord Party primary.
“We have monitored the only Accord Party primary a few days ago. The report has been submitted. INEC is not aware of any other party’s primary,” Olurode said.
INEC had monitored the earlier Accord primary held last Wednesday in Osogbo, where Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate for the 2026 poll.
