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 Ukwa La Ngwa people of Abia State have donated ₦100m to purchase the nomination form for Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, on Saturday.
It was stated that the donation was announced on Friday during a grand civic reception organised in honour of the governor at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Some Ukwa La Ngwa at the grand civic reception organised in honour of the governor at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba…Photo Credit: Abia State Government
The Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ukwa La Ngwa Civic Reception and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, disclosed that the amount had been raised collectively, adding that the group was ready to contribute more if necessary.
Speaking at the event, Otti thanked the people for the reception and endorsement.
“The time we came in here this afternoon, the mammoth crowd was intimidating. I want to thank all of you.
“Thank you for the endorsement. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement,” he said.
The governor said his administration would continue to prioritise the interest of the people, stressing that governance in Abia was no longer driven by self-interest.
“One thing you can take home is that because this is your government, your interest will always come first. This is not about party or partisan celebration,” Otti added.
He disclosed that Ovom Road would be commissioned on February 25, the same day the reconstruction of the Enyimba Hotel, a five-star facility to be handled by Radisson Blu, would be flagged off.
“Our style is not to flag off and go home. We want the five-star hotel to start functioning by next year,” the governor said.
Otti also urged residents of Aba to register for their Permanent Voter Cards and to take responsibility for security and cleanliness in their neighbourhoods.
“The number of people in Aba is ten times larger than the number of votes that come from Aba. The only way to show your strength is to get people to come out and register,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the occasion and Board of Trustees Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, said the event was a reflection of the people’s verdict on Otti’s performance.
“This is not a political party rally; it is a people’s verdict. It is the collective affirmation of the masses to celebrate a man who has demonstrated that good governance is achievable and real.
“Let no one be deceived: Abians will never again surrender their mandate to any cabal. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people in 2027 will be firmly resisted,” Wabara said.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Darlington Nwokocha, said Otti’s performance across sectors had earned him widespread support.
Earlier, the leader and spokesperson of the Ukwa La Ngwa people, Chief Theo Nkire, described the governor as “a great achiever” who had transformed Aba into “a world-class industrial hub.”
Traditional rulers from Ukwa La Ngwa also pledged their support, while the event featured cultural displays and was attended by several dignitaries, including the member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe.
The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has appealed the Federal High Court ruling that voided the party’s November 2025 convention and recognised a caretaker committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Turaki said, despite the court verdict, the party remained legally intact and unshaken as it awaits the pronouncement of the appellate courts.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan had, earlier on Friday, invalidated the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025.
The court also directed Turaki and others to stop presenting themselves as national officers of the PDP.
Justice Uche Agomoh further ruled that the caretaker committee headed by Mohammed Abdulrahman and Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised National Working Committee of the PDP until a valid national convention is held.
The PDP governors had supported the Ibadan convention, at which Turaki and other members of the NWC were elected for a four-year term.
However, Wike, alongside Abdulrahman and Anyanwu, insisted that they remained in office as acting national chairman and national secretary, respectively.
Although the governors oversaw a smooth transition from the former PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to Turaki before Damagum’s tenure ended on December 9, the Wike-aligned faction went ahead on December 8 to constitute a 13-member caretaker committee, appointing Abdulrahman, Anyanwu and others with a 60-day mandate.
As a result, both the governors’ faction and the Wike-aligned camp have been seeking recognition of their leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which has so far declined to recognise either group.
Consequently, several court cases have been instituted to resolve the dispute ahead of the 2027 general election.
But reacting, Turaki described the judgment as an academic exercise, urging the Court of Appeal to consolidate all pending party-related cases to produce a single binding judgment for all parties.
Turaki said the NWC had filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution and would pursue the matter to its legal conclusion.
He explained that they went to court to seek an order of mandamus directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Ibadan Convention and enable official party communications with the Commission.
Turaki said, “More importantly, the judgment is in material conflict with subsisting orders and previous judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
“Consequently, we have filed a Notice of Appeal as well as a Motion for Stay of Execution of the judgement, and we are determined to pursue this matter diligently and to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this judgment is only one among several decisions of the Federal High Court on this subject matter, and the core issues arising therefrom are already before the Court of Appeal. In that sense, this particular judgment is, technically speaking, academic, pending the authoritative pronouncement of the appellate courts.
“Let me assure all members of our great party that, notwithstanding this judgment, the National Working Committee produced by the Ibadan Convention remains legally intact, firmly in place, and fully committed to the ongoing rebirth of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Turaki called on PDP members and supporters nationwide to stay calm and steadfast, emphasising that there was no reason for concern, and affirmed that the Rebirth movement continues to progress steadily.
When asked if he was concerned about the PDP cases pending in the Appeal Court, Turaki clarified that he was not, noting that the lawyers on both sides had filed their briefs on time.
He stated, “There are more than two matters pending before the Court of Appeal. First, there is the judgment of Justice Lifu. There is also the judgment of Justice Omotosho, and another judgment given by Justice Abdulmalik. In all these three matters, we were sued and defended those cases. We have appealed against the orders made against the party in those cases.
“On whether there is concern that the appeals have not yet been heard, there is no concern. There are processes required before an appeal is ready for hearing. Each party must be given fair hearing and must file briefs within the time stipulated by law. Counsel on both sides have commendably compressed the time for filing briefs and complied promptly. All briefs are now in the court files. Sometimes replies are also required, and those will be filed as needed.
“There are many appeals ready for hearing in the Abuja Division. The court previously implemented a special plan in the Lagos Division, where multiple panels were set up and over 500 appeals were disposed of. There are also over 400 appeals ready in Abuja, and it is hoped that similar special panels will be created there. If that happens, this political case should receive priority.
“It is also desirable that the appeals be consolidated so that one binding judgment will apply to all parties. Many of the PDP cases are interconnected, and determination of the key issues in one will likely resolve the others and bring closure to related matters pending in various courts across Nigeria. We are hopeful that the Court of Appeal will soon constitute a panel to hear and determine all these appeals.”
Meanwhile, Wike’s bloc has welcomed the court ruling, calling on all members to embrace unity, reconciliation, and adherence to due process.
The Mohammed-led PDP Caretaker Committee, through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungude Mohammed, on Friday, reaffirmed that the party’s legitimacy stems only from adherence to its Constitution, laws, and valid court orders—not from unlawful claims or impersonation.
The statement read in part, “The landmark judgment, which further nullified the conduct, outcome, and entire proceedings of the purported convention held in Ibadan on the 15th and 16th of November 2025, represents a decisive victory for the rule of law, constitutionalism, and internal party democracy. It reaffirms the long-standing position of the PDP that legitimacy can only be derived from strict compliance with the Constitution of the Party, extant laws, and valid court orders, as opposed to seeking self-help through impersonation or unlawful assertions of authority.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee therefore congratulates all its members and supporters for their patience, resilience, and unwavering faith in due process throughout this period, and further calls on all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and united as we move forward in the spirit of reconciliation, progress, and renewed commitment to the ideals of our great Party.
“We appeal to all aggrieved members to sheath their swords, as this victory belongs to the entire PDP family. Our doors remain open for genuine reconciliation and integration. This will strengthen unity, deepen internal cohesion, and refocus collective efforts toward building a stronger and more formidable PDP.
“We commend the Judiciary for once again rising to its constitutional responsibility as the impartial arbiter in political and constitutional disputes.”
The former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Akeredolu, has thrown her weight behind Peter Obi as the preferred presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a post shared on her verified 𝕏 handle on Friday, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu reaffirmed her support for the Obidient Movement, quoting a report that linked her with Obi’s political ambitions and writing simply: “Obi or nothing.”
Her declaration comes amid heightened debate within the ADC, where supporters of Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are said to be jostling for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Obi, who recently aligned with the ADC through a broader coalition, has received growing support from his followers, many of whom have called for the presidency to be zoned to the South, with Obi presented as the party’s standard-bearer.
Reacting to rising tensions, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, warned party members and supporters against stoking division.
Speaking during a live 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) Spaces conversation last Saturday, Abdullahi urged party loyalists to avoid preaching division and exceptionality,” that could undermine internal cohesion.
He also addressed proposals for the 2027 elections to be held earlier, possibly in 2026, describing the idea as a double-edged sword.
According to him, while an early election could expose the ADC to unresolved internal grievances, it could also offer a strategic advantage, especially as many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current administration.
Abdullahi further revealed that he had held consultations with key opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, in a bid to build unity within the ADC-led coalition.
“These discussions are focused on strengthening the party and ensuring we are well-positioned for the next general elections,” he said.
The ADC is expected to hold its presidential primaries in June, amid increasing pressure to finalise zoning arrangements and manage growing interest from political heavyweights within and outside the party.
