On November 8, 2025, the people of Anambra State will head to the polls to elect a new governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission has cleared candidates from different political parties to contest in what promises to be a highly competitive race. From seasoned politicians and entrepreneurs to first-time contenders, each of the candidates brings their unique experiences and plans for the future of Anambra State.
Ukachukwu Nicholas (APC)
Ukachukwu Nicholas is a businessman and politician from Osumenyi, Anambra State. According to his campaign website, he started his education at Omaigwe Primary School. Afterwards, he moved to Dennis Memorial Grammar School, and eventually to the University of Calabar where he bagged a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration. He founded SNECOU Group Limited, a business with investments in oil and gas, real estate, construction, agriculture, education, and media. He was a former chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the FCT and also served in Nigeria’s House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency. He is currently the governorship candidate for Anambra State under the All Progressives Congress in the 2025 election.
Paul Chukwuma is currently the founder of Olivia University in Burundi and the Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University in Makurdi. He was the former National Auditor of Nigeria’s ruling party.
Chukwuma, an ex-seminarian is a lawyer and candidate of YPP
Ezenwafor Jude (PDP)
Ezenwafor Jude is a real estate developer and trade consultant who emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag-bearer after running unopposed in the party’s primary, where he received unanimous endorsement from 853 delegates across the state. His career spans key roles in Nigerian politics, including advisory positions to state governors, leadership within political parties, and diplomatic engagements in global trade and investment.
Geoffrey Onyejegbu (NNPP)
Geoffrey Onyejegbu is the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the 2025 Anambra State election. He is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army. Previously, he vied for the gubernatorial ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2021 but contested under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Moghalu Nnadubem (LP)
Moghalu Nnadubem, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, hails from Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State. His career spans decades, with contributions in both public and private sectors, including as Director General of the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development in Abia State. He was also the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Beyond his professional achievements, he founded the Zimuzo Development Foundation.
Chukwurah Vincent (SDP)
Vincent Chukwurah is the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Born in 1954 and from Anambra State, Vincent has a general high school diploma. He contested for Idemili North/Idemili South seat in the House of Representatives in the 2023 elections under the Social Democratic Party.
Onyeze Charles (SA)
Onyeze Charles is a philanthropist and politician in Anambra. He was declared unopposed as the candidate of the Accord party during its primary election held at the East End Hotel, Aroma in Awka, Anambra State.
Nweke Japhet (AA)
Nweke Japheth emerged as the Action Alliance Party’s gubernatorial candidate for Anambra State in the 2025 election. He secured the primaries through an Option A4 voting system and garnered 58 votes from party delegates at the state’s party primary. He is the chairman/CEO of Blue Shield Security Company Limited.
Ifemeludike Chioma (TSA)
Ifemeludike Chioma is the first of five children and lost her father at a young age. She attended Saint Paul’s Primary School, Township Secondary School, and Saint John’s Secondary School – all in Jos, Plateau State. She studied political science at Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University), where she was active in student unionism and civil rights volunteering. She is the youngest candidate in this gubernatorial election.
Nwosu Chuma (ADC)
Chuma Nwosu hails from Oduda, Nnewichi community in Nnewi, Anambra State. He is an economist and computer technologist with over 30 years experience in the private sector. He currently serves as CEO of Jetlink Group Ltd., an ICT firm with regional interests in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia. He emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, receiving a certificate of return and selecting Geoffrey Nwobu as his running mate.
Otti Echezona (APM)
Otti Echezona is the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM’s) governorship candidate, with Ezeigwe Chuka Samuel as his running mate. He was confirmed in the final candidate list published by INEC. The 66-year-old has his first school-leaving certificate, Senior School Certificate Examination, and Higher National Diploma.
Nweke Chukwudubem (APP)
INEC’s finalised list for the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election identifies Nweke Christopher Chukwudubem as the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate, with Okeke Blessing Ebele as his running mate
Okeke Jerry was born in Ezinifite,
Aguata LGA of Anambra State. He attended Town School and Community
Secondary School, Ezinifite. He later
studied Civil Engineering at IMT Enugu and Geological Science at Nnamdi
Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He pursued further studies in Linguistics, Law,
and Public Administration.
He founded Edumail Publications
Ltd. in 2005. This company produces
textbooks, storybooks, and educational
materials widely used across Nigeria,
including by NECO. He has published
over 100 storybooks, 20 books, and 25
workbooks.
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