Anambra gov poll primaries start March 20 – INEC

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday, called for strict adherence to the timetable for the Anambra State governorship election coming up later in November this year.

Yakubu announced that political parties fielding candidates in the election will have to conduct the primaries to choose their candidate between 20th March 20 and April 10, 2025.

The INEC chairman spoke during a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said, “May I remind leaders of political parties that primaries for the nomination of candidates for the Anambra State governorship election begin in the next two months i.e. 20th March to 10th April 2025.

“Even as we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election, we are always mindful of our responsibilities for other elections and electoral activities. For instance, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of the election.”

Yakubu also touched on the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council election.

“The last Area Council election in the FCT was held on 12 February 2022. By the effluxion of time, the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors ends next year. Consequently, the commission has approved that the 2026 Area Council election in FCT will be held on Saturday, 21st February 2026.

“Voting will take place in all the designated polling units across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council chairmen and 62 councillors,” Yakubu stated.

He urged political parties to adhere to timelines for primaries and campaign schedules to ensure smooth preparations.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]