The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final register of voters for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, putting the total number of eligible voters at 2,802,790. The Commission also confirmed that it has received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final register of voters for the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election, putting the total number of eligible voters at 2,802,790. The Commission also confirmed that it has received 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
Rising from its meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, INEC disclosed that the figures followed weeks of voter registration and subsequent scrutiny using its Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to weed out double and multiple entries.
“During the continuous voter registration exercise held in Anambra between July 8 and 20, 2025, a total of 168,187 citizens registered as new voters. However, 27,817 records were found to be invalid and removed,” said Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
He explained that after the clean-up process, 140,370 valid new registrants and 5,983 transfers into the state were confirmed, bringing the net addition to 146,353 voters.
“With these figures, Anambra now has a voter roll of 2,802,790. Idemili North tops the list with 246,318 registered voters (8.79%), followed by Awka South with 216,611 (7.73%) and Ogbaru with 188,016 (6.71%). At the lower end, Dunukofia has 83,580 voters (2.98%) while Anambra West has 71,332 voters (2.55%),” Olumekun stated.
INEC assured citizens that all Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants, transfers and replacements will be ready for collection before the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
“We wish to assure new voters in Anambra State, as well as those who applied for transfer or replacement, that their PVCs will be ready for collection well ahead of the Governorship Election holding in 63 days,” Olumekun emphasised.
On political party registration, the Commission confirmed that 171 associations have so far submitted letters of intent. The National Commissioner noted that the committee reviewing the submissions has prepared its recommendations for the Commission’s consideration.
“As earlier announced, a shortlist of the pre-qualified associations is being finalised for the next stage of application for registration,” he explained.
However, he cautioned against practices that have slowed the process.
“We urge associations to avoid frequent changes to their logos, acronyms and addresses or one association submitting multiple requests. Worse still, some associations have changed their interim leaderships following defections to other associations or existing political parties. This only delays the process,” Olumekun warned.
He reassured that INEC would treat all applications fairly, but urged consistency from associations.
“The Commission will treat all applications fairly while urging them to assist the process by remaining consistent,” he said.
Olumekun reiterated INEC’s commitment to transparency:
“As always, the Commission will continue to communicate with Nigerians on all its activities.”