Awka, Anambra — The atmosphere in Anambra State is charged with anticipation as over 2.8 million registered voters head to the polls today, November 8, to elect the next governor. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that voting commenced in most polling units as officials began setting up early in the morning.
In Awka South, ad hoc officials were seen arranging materials at the Community Primary School, Amawbia, Wards 01 and 02. In Nnewi South, staff and election materials were also loaded and dispatched to polling centers, ensuring an early start to the exercise.
Meanwhile, at PU01, Ward 1, Akudo Central School, Nnewi North LGA, INEC ad hoc officials were spotted grabbing breakfast from nearby Mama Put food vendors before the day’s exercise kicked off. The scene reflected a calm but determined atmosphere as voters and officials prepared for what many describe as a “make-or-break” election.
Today’s election will determine whether incumbent Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) retains his seat or if power shifts to one of the 15 other contenders vying for Anambra’s top job.
Among the notable contenders are Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sir Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Dr. George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The race also features two female governorship candidates — Chioma Ifemeludike of the African Action Congress (AAC) and Ndidi Olieh of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) — alongside six female deputy governorship candidates, signaling increasing women’s participation in Anambra politics.
This election marks the first major poll under the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who assumed office on October 23, 2025. According to INEC, all 5,718 polling units across the state were expected to open by 8:30 a.m., with 6,879 BVAS devices and over 24,000 ad hoc staff deployed.
INEC has also announced that vehicular movement across Anambra remains restricted to ensure smooth conduct of the election.
As voting progresses, attention will be on voter turnout, BVAS performance, and early reports from the field.
Stay with Vanguard for real-time updates, photos, and videos from polling units across Anambra as the people decide their next leader.
