The Anambra governorship election is set to take place with 16 candidates contesting, including incumbent Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (APGA) and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), who are the main contenders. The election is marked by a strong security presence, with assurances from the Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that adequate measures have been implemented to ensure a peaceful, fair, and credible process. Key factors influencing the election include party popularity, incumbency, zoning arrangements favoring candidates from the southern senatorial zone, and religious affiliations, with Soludo enjoying advantages in incumbency, zoning, and religious backing.

Civil society groups like Yiaga Africa emphasize that the election will test the efficiency, integrity, and impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, which are critical to maintaining public trust. They have deployed observers to monitor the process and urge all stakeholders to commit to peace and fairness. Both security agencies and observer groups warn against vote-buying, intimidation, and political interference, stressing professionalism and neutrality to uphold the election’s credibility and Nigeria’s democratic credentials ahead of the 2027 general elections.