From Technocrats To Activists: The 16 Faces Eyeing Anambra’s Top Job
By Emmanuel Egobiambu Updated November 3, 2025
As residents of Anambra prepare to elect their governor, the people of the south-eastern state will have an array of candidates to choose from.
From technocrats to seasoned business professionals, the profile of candidates, who have reeled out their manifestos in a bid to woo voters, reflects the vibrant and diverse political landscape in Anambra.
The exercise is billed for Saturday, November 8, 2025, with 16 political parties cleared to contest the election that will produce the candidate to occupy the Light House Awka.
Channels Television spotlights all 16 candidates, comprising 14 men and two women, gunning for Anambra’s top job:
Onyeze Charles Chidi — Accord
The Accord Party flagbearer, 54, is a philanthropist and will be running with Ezeadili Appolonia. He was selected unopposed by the party during its governorship primary election held in Awka, Anambra State, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
One of his campaign promises is to tackle insecurity and boost Anambra State’s economy.
Nweke Japhet —Action Alliance
The AA candidate has Elvis Obi as his running mate. The 55-year-old is the CEO of Blue Shield Security Company Limited.
Nweke won the party’s primary election in April, scoring 58 votes. The AA candidate believes the South-East state needs inclusive governance, not alienation.
Ifemeludike Chioma — African Action Congress (AAC)
At 36, Ifemeludike is the youngest of the 16 candidates battling for the exalted seat of power in Anambra.
Her running mate is Kingsley Mgbemena, and with an eight-point agenda, the AAC flagbearer and actress wants to “transform Anambra State into a beacon of progress, prosperity, and good governance in Nigeria”.
Nwosu Chuma —African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Nwosu of the ADC is 61, and an economist. He will be running for the post alongside Nwobu Ndubuisi.
He has a seven-point agenda called SHEEEMS —Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Management, and Social Welfare.
Ukachukwu Nicholas — All Progressives Congress (APC)
Though the APC is leading the country, Ukachukwu will be seeking to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on November 8.
The 58-year-old has Ekwunife Uche as a running mate. He is a native of Osumenyi, Nnewi South Local Government Area. Ukachukwu’s key promises include fighting insecurity and fixing the Anambra economy.
Charles Soludo — All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
The incumbent, Soludo’s needs no introduction, having served as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Now seeking a second term in office, the APGA chieftain will be gunning for the position alongside Ibezim Onyekachukwu — the current deputy governor. Soludo, 64, is wooing residents of the state on the premise of building on his achievements in his first tenure and building smart cities and rails, among others.
Otti Echezona — Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
The APM candidate will be running for the post with Samuel Ezeigwe. Echezona is a 66-year-old politician.
Nweke Chidubem — Action Peoples Party (APP)
Chidubem of the APP will be vying for that office with Okeke Ebele. The 44-year-old governorship candidate studied law, according to his credentials listed on the INEC website.
Okeke Jerry — Boot Party
The Boot party chieftain is an indigene of Ezinifite in Aguata LGA of Anambra State. He studied Civil Engineering at IMT in Enugu. The author is 51 and in 2019 vied for the Anambra State House of Assembly but lost out.
Jerry’s running mate is Ugboma Happiness. He said, “We need new blood in Nigerian politics to end this bad government. This is what the youths want, and I am with the youths”.
George Moghalu — Labour Party (LP)
Moghalu is a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). A former chieftain of the APC, the Labour Party man attended IMT in Enugu State.
He will be running for the post with Okaro Veronica. Moghalu is from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State. He has a 12-point action plan for the South-East state if elected as its governor.
Geoffrey Onyejegbu — New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
Onyejegbu of the NNPP is running for the seat with Arinze Victor. He hails from Ichida, Anaocha LGA.
He is a 67-year-old and has vowed to change Anambra’s security architecture, which is part of his five pillars of governance.
Ndidi Olieh — National Rescue Movement (NRM)
The 42-year-old Olieh is also the spokesperson of the NRM. The second of the female candidates for the 2025 Anambra governorship election, her deputy is Ogbe Reginald.
Ezenwafor Jude — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP candidate is into real estate, among others. Ezenwafor, 49, is a former chief protocol officer to ex-governor Peter Obi. He is a former chieftain of the LP, serving as the party’s chairman in Anambra State. He also contested for the LP ticket in 2007.
Ezenwafor’s running mate is Okeke Chukwudi. The PDP candidate survived an attempt on his life in July and has pledged improved security and economic revival, among others.
Chukwurah Vincent — Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Chukwurah is 71, according to his brief profile on INEC’s website. His running mate for this governorship election is Odira Vanatius.
Paul Chukwuma Chukwukah — Young Peoples Party (YPP).
A former chieftain of the APC, Chukwuma, won the YPP primary election conducted using the Option A4 method. He is a 47-year-old and is a graduate of philosophy from the University of Nigeria (UNN).
Okagbue Izuchukwu is his running mate. The YPP flagbearer also holds a first-class degree in Law and wants to prioritize security if elected as governor on November 8, 2025.
Ugwoji Martin — Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
He is 59 years old and has Obi Faith as his running mate for this year’s governorship election. According to his profile on the INEC website, Ugwoji has a first school-leaving certificate and a WAEC certificate.
DEPUTY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE BENJAMIN OKOLO ASSUMES DUTY AS SUPERVISORY OFFICER FOR POLICE PERSONNEL AHEAD OF 8TH NOVEMBER 2025 ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The Nigeria Police Force wishes to inform the public and residents of Anambra State that the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Benjamin Okolo, fdc, who represented the Inspector General of Police on Monday, 3rd November 2025, has today, 6th November 2025, officially assumed duty as the Supervisory Officer over all Police personnel deployed for the 8th November 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.
DIG Benjamin Okolo, fdc, alongside the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, mni, represented the Inspector General of Police during the signing of the Peace Accord among political flag bearers and at stakeholders’ engagements. DIG Okolo is to oversee the operational framework, coordinate field deployments, and ensure strict adherence to the Force’s Rules of Engagement throughout the election security operations.
This deployment forms part of the strategic security measures approved by the Inspector General of Police to ensure a peaceful, credible, and professionally managed election environment across Anambra State.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the electoral process, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that all individuals and political actors conduct themselves in accordance with the law. The public is urged to remain law-abiding and to cooperate fully with Police officers and other security personnel detailed for election duties.
Assisting DIG Benjamin Okolo in the coordination of election security operations are: AIG Akoh Benedict Gabriel, the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra Governorship Election, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, Other Commissioners of Police deployed to the 21 Local Government Areas of the State, as well as other strategic senior officers.
The DIG can be reached through: 08033299629
SP Ikenga Tochukwu Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command
ONGOING: Aerial surveillance of Anambra State by the Nigeria Police Airwing ahead of the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election. pic.twitter.com/esPhB6xIpC
ANAMBRA SECURITY: POLICE RECEIVES FORCE ADVANCE TACTICAL TEAMS AS THE COMMAND STEPS UP SURVEILLANCE WITH HELICOPTERS AND DRONES
As part of ongoing efforts to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Governorship Election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has received the Force Headquarters Advance Tactical Teams deployed to strengthen the security architecture across the State.
The deployment, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, is in line with the Force’s strategic operational plan to reinforce local formations with additional manpower and advanced technical support, including helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance.
Receiving the tactical teams in Awka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for his unwavering support and commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Anambra State.
According to the CP, the aerial surveillance will complement ongoing land patrols by tactical units, intelligence operatives, and police special squads strategically deployed across all 21 Local Government Areas of the State. He emphasized that the combined efforts of the Command and the newly arrived tactical operatives will further enhance visibility policing, intelligence- driven operations, and rapid response to emerging threats.
The CP stated that the deployment of helicopters and surveillance drones will enable real-time monitoring of key locations, border communities, and flash points, while ground teams will maintain robust patrols and checkpoint operations across all the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.
He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in maintaining peace, law and order, especially as the Governorship Election draws closer.
CP Orutugu further urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the Police, by promptly reporting suspicious persons or movements to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines: 07039194332 or 08039334002.
The Anambra State Police Command assures the good people of the State of its firm commitment to ensuring a secure environment where law-abiding citizens can go about their lawful duties without fear or intimidation.
SP Ikenga Tochukwu Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command
ANAMBRA ELECTION SECURITY: POLICE ANNOUNCES TOTAL RESTRICTION OF INTERSTATE AND INTRASTATE VEHICULAR MOVEMENTS ON GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION DAY
The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that there will be a total restriction of vehicular movements in/out and across Anambra State on Saturday, 8th November 2025, being the day of the Governorship Election.
The restriction takes effect from 12.00am to 6.00pm on the Election Day, and shall affect all roads within the state including interstate highways. This measure is in line with the unanimous decision reached at the meeting of the Security Services Commanders in Anambra State held at the Police State Headquarters, Awka, on 5th November 2025. The decision is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
The restriction applies to all forms of motorized transportation, including: Private vehicles, Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Tricycles, Motorcycles and shuttle buses. All intended interstate travelers intending to travel through any part of the State are advised to take alternative routes during this period. Only persons on essential duties such as designated INEC officials, accredited journalists and election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders and essential services providers would be exempted - such persons must, carry valid identification and clearance tag at all times.
Residents are urged to comply with this security arrangement as it is designed to safeguard lives and property, ensure a peaceful election atmosphere and guarantee that voters freely exercise their right to vote their preferred candidate.
The Command calls on the electorate to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security personnel who have been deployed across the State to enforce this directive and maintain order.
SP Ikenga Tochukwu Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command
I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating Dr Reuben Abati, a distinguished journalist, public intellectual, and statesman, as he marks his 60th birthday today.
Dr Abati has, through his pen and voice, contributed immensely to national discourse, promoting enlightenment, accountability, and good governance. His brilliance, courage, and depth of thought have enriched journalism and strengthened democracy in our nation.
As he attains this milestone, I thank God for his life of impact and service to humanity. May he continue to enjoy good health, wisdom, and renewed strength in the years ahead.
The verdict is that Segun Adeniyi, @Olusegunverdict and Dr Reuben Abati, @abati1990 have attained senior citizen status. The duo have attained this stripes not just in marking their 60th birthday anniversary, but in their interventions as journalists, writers, authors and commentators that has helped in shaping our society for the better.
On behalf of my family, I pray that the next chapter shall be even more impactful and glorious for Segun and Reuben. Happy birthday and many happy returns of your days. -AA
PRESIDENT TINUBU EULOGISES PROMINENT JOURNALIST & FORMER PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER, DR. REUBEN ABATI, AT 60
I extend my warmest felicitations to Dr Reuben Abati, renowned journalist and former presidential adviser, on his 60th birthday, November 7, 2025.
A public intellectual, author, columnist, law graduate and broadcaster, Dr Abati has distinguished himself wherever he has traversed: in the university as a student and later as a Graduate Assistant, as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, as a writer and presently as a television anchor.
His insightful articles, regular interventions and television analyses have continued to enlighten and inspire.
I commend Dr Abati for his service to Nigeria as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as his outstanding contributions to the media.
Dr Abati's patriotism and passion as a public commentator who consistently brings his creativity, versatility and cross-sectoral experience to bear on issues of national interest, both on traditional and social media, are noteworthy.
I congratulate Dr Abati, whom I fondly call Rubi Rubi, on the presentation of three books on his birthday, titled: "Portraits: People, Politics and Society", "A Love Letter and Other Stories", and "How Goodluck Jonathan Became President".
I join the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), family members, and friends in celebrating this notable writer.
On this occasion of Abati's 60th birthday, I pray that Almighty God grant him a longer life, good health, and the inspiration to continue serving the nation and humanity.
Happy Birthday, Rubi!
Bola Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces November 7, 2025
Trump wants South Africa out of the G20 as it gears up for world summit
Mayeni Jones Africa correspondent, Johannesburg 12 hours ago
South Africa has skated over the latest criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has said he does not think the country should be part of the G20 any longer.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the BBC his country was confident it would host a very successful G20 summit when leaders from the world's largest economies gather in Johannesburg later this month.
Trump, who has repeatedly accused South Africa of discriminating against its white minority, will not be attending - sending Vice-President JD Vance instead.
Every year, a different member state holds the presidency of the G20 and sets the agenda for the leaders' summit - with the US due to take over after South Africa.
"South Africa shouldn't even be in the Gs any more, because what's happened there is bad. I'm not going to represent our country there. It shouldn't be there," Trump said at a conference in Miami on Wednesday.
South Africa's government declined to make a full statement in response to these comments, though last week it hit back at the US's decision to prioritise refugee applications from white South African Afrikaners, who are mostly descendants of Dutch and French settlers.
It said claims of a white genocide had been widely discredited and lacked reliable evidence.
South Africa's latest crime statistics do not indicate that more white people have fallen victim to violent crime than other racial groups.
The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis. The nations involved have more than 85% of the world's wealth and its aim was to restore economic stability.
The first leaders' summit was held in 2008 in response to that year's global financial turmoil, to promote international co-operation.
Now the leaders get together each year - along with representatives of the European Union and African Union - to talk about the world's economies and the issues countries are facing.
There is no formal procedure laid down for kicking a country out of the G20 as it is not a treaty-based organisation like the UN and does not have a legal charter or constitution. It is an informal forum that operates by consensus.
"If a country was going to be kicked out, it would basically mean that it was excluded from the meetings - it wasn't invited to the meetings by whoever was hosting the G20 that year," Dr Andrew Gawthorpe from UK-based think-tank the Foreign Policy Centre told the BBC.
"But the host country would be unlikely to take the decision to not invite another country unless there was agreement amongst the rest of the members to do that," he said.
Chris Vandome, senior research fellow at Chatham House's Africa programme, agrees such a consensus would be unlikely - and historically the US's participation in the G20 had been regarded as disruptive.
"A number of the working groups and ministerial meetings have not led to declarations… because the Americans have been disrupting things," he told the BBC.
In fact he noted that other countries had doubled down and seen the US's position as an opportunity.
"In particular the European Union, with large financial commitments made to South Africa and Africa," Mr Vandrome said.
"Also, on the Asian side, there's no way that I think that China would accept a sort of rejection of South Africa."
The obvious historical precedent is Russia's expulsion from what was then the G8 - a grouping of the world's most advanced economies - after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Russia remains in the G20, which includes countries from around the world. There were calls for Russia to be expelled from the G20 after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but in a larger grouping of countries with their own alliances, consensus could not be reached.
This year South Africa has adopted the theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability - something the country's foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasised following Trump's criticism.
"Drawing on our own journey from racial and ethnic division to democracy, South Africa is uniquely positioned to champion within the G20 a future of genuine solidarity, where shared prosperity bridges deep inequalities," Mr Phiri said in a statement to the BBC.
"And collective action for sustainability that centres the development to address the impact of colonialism of the African continent."
Trump offered refugee status to Afrikaners earlier this year after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law allowing the government to seize land without compensation in rare instances.
Most private farmland is owned by white South Africans, who make up just over 7% of the population.
South Africa made efforts to soothe tensions, with Ramaphosa going to the White House in May with a large delegation that included white members of his coalition government and also famous white South African golfers.
But Trump ambushed the Oval Office meeting with claims that white South African farmers were being killed and "persecuted" - producing unsubstantiated evidence that has been widely discredited.
Further efforts by South Africa to mend the relationship failed, with Africa's largest economy being hit in August with 30% tariffs on goods being exported to the US - the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa.
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